Johnnie Jones Jr.

Physical Profile

Jones boasts an elite physical profile for an offensive tackle, standing at a verified 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds with a reported wingspan approaching 7-foot-1. This exceptional length provides a significant advantage in pass protection, allowing him to create a wide arc for defenders to navigate. His background in basketball is evident in his footwork and agility, and he demonstrates the ability to bend and play with a low center of gravity. As he continues to fill out his frame and add functional strength in a college weight program, he has the potential to be a physically dominant force at the SEC level.

Play Style

On film, Jones is a physically imposing presence who excels in the run game. He plays with a mean streak and looks to finish blocks. He is most effective when he can use his athleticism to get out in front on screens and pulls. In pass protection, he relies on his length and quick feet to push defenders wide of the pocket. While his technique is still raw, his natural athletic ability allows him to recover and stay in front of his man. He started at left tackle for a state championship-winning team at Berkeley Prep and transferred to powerhouse Venice for his senior season.

Strengths

• Possesses a prototypical offensive tackle frame with exceptional height, length, and a large wingspan, which is ideal for a blindside protector.
• Displays impressive agility and lateral quickness for his size, a trait likely honed from his basketball background, allowing him to mirror pass rushers effectively.
• Shows a strong aptitude for run blocking in a power-based scheme, demonstrating the ability to fire off the ball, get to the second level, and engage defenders in space.

Areas to Improve

• Needs refinement in pass protection technique, specifically with hand placement and syncing his hands and feet to consistently handle elite edge rushers.
• Must continue to develop play strength to become a more dominant force at the point of attack in the run game against SEC-caliber defensive linemen.
• As a relatively new player to the sport, he needs continued reps and coaching to accelerate his development and instincts for the position.

College Projection

Jones projects as a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level with the potential to develop into an All-SEC caliber offensive tackle. Given his raw talent and need for technical refinement, a redshirt year to focus on strength and conditioning and hone his skills would be beneficial. By his second or third year, he should be competing for a starting role at one of the tackle positions for Missouri. His ceiling is that of a cornerstone left tackle who can anchor the offensive line for multiple seasons.

NFL Outlook

With his elite physical traits and athletic upside, Johnnie Jones Jr. possesses legitimate NFL Draft potential. If he continues to develop and refine his technique throughout his college career at Missouri, he has the makings of a high-round draft pick. His frame and movement skills are exactly what NFL scouts look for in a modern offensive tackle. He is considered a 'lottery ticket' type of prospect with a very high ceiling.

Best Fit

A program with a strong track record of developing offensive linemen, like Missouri, is an excellent fit. A scheme that utilizes a mix of zone and power running concepts will play to his strengths and allow him to use his athleticism in space. The coaching he'll receive on the nuances of pass protection will be critical to unlocking his full potential as a blindside protector at the next level.