With a chance to shine against some of college football’s brightest stars, Andre Jones seized the opportunity.
Jones, a former Louisiana edge rusher who thrived in the Sun Belt, was playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl. And while rushing the passer on a play in the second half, he was blocked by two players at one point.
But that didn’t stop him. He outraced a guard to the edge of the pocket and hit the quarterback as he was throwing, which forced an errant pass and an interception.
As he proved in that all-star game, Jones can ruin game plans for opposing offenses.
What Team Drafted Andre Jones?
Jones was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round with the 233rd overall pick.
Andre Jones Stats And Highlights
Jones’ 7.5 sacks last season was fifth in the Sun Belt in 2022, which helped him earn second-team all-conference accolades as a linebacker.
Last season, Jones racked up 51 tackles, 24 solo, with 8.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. According to Pro Football Focus, he pressured the quarterback 32 times with 20 hurries.
The year before, Jones was an all-conference third-team defensive lineman. He was fourth on the team with 60 tackles to go with 9.5 TFLs and six sacks. He added 45 pressures and 33 hurries, via PFF.
Jones was invited to the NFL Combine, but he suffered an injury during the 40-yard dash. However, it doesn’t appear it will affect him in the long term.
Andre Jones Draft Profile
Jones was listed as a linebacker in college. But he could play a plethora of roles in a multitude of schemes.
Playing at 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, Jones has good length and size. He even played as an interior defensive lineman at times in college, but he also dropped back into coverage occasionally as well.
He could conceivably continue being an edge rusher, or he could get moved to inside linebacker because of his athleticism.
Jones has quick hands at the point of attack. If he continues playing with his hand in the dirt, Jones could do a better job of keeping his pad level lower as he sometimes would stand straight up at the snap.
Jones could also add to his repertoire of pass-rushing moves. However, his exceptional balance helped him push offensive linemen around and stay on his feet. He also was disciplined, as he focused on containing outside runs and wasn’t easily fooled by screen plays.
Overall, Jones has the tools to fit in with a number of defensive systems. It’s just a matter of where he ends up.
