The Falcons have many holes to fill in the NFL Draft in a couple of weeks, one of which is finding a long-term piece to install next to Grady Jarrett on the D-Line. Though Jack Crawford had a career year, he can still play snaps at defensive end as well as a defensive tackle, and should not stop the team from selecting a talent like Dre’Mont Jones.
Jones was somewhat of a breakout candidate for Ohio State, as he became the focus of their defense after Nick Bosa was done for the season. He showed the ability to be a force on the defensive line for years to come at the next level and forewent his senior year to go pro.
Many think Jones is a bit undersized, but he uses his hands and unbelievable athleticism to make plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. He racked up 13 tackles for loss last season to go along with 8.5 sacks.
With Dre’Mont Jones, the Falcons would have a deadly duo inside. Sure, EDGE rusher may be the more dire need, but Jones would most definitely help out in the sack department with his interior quickness and eye for the gap. However, he still needs some work defending the run. At the very least, the Ohio State product is a great bet to be a difference maker on third downs at the beginning of his career with a chance to be an every-down player down the road.
Jones could be the perfect selection for the Falcons if he falls to them in the second round, further bolstering the defense with another young player possessing loads of upside. Even better, if they can pull off adding Jones and a defensive end, they will be addressing their most significant need (pass rush) at two different positions. The value of Jones and the Falcons’ need for pass rush make Jones a very intriguing prospect to keep an eye on around their second-round selection, but he does not come without question marks.