Travis Jones Scouting Report
Credit: UConn Athletics
War Room Scouting is back and ready to work with our first scouting report for the 2022 NFL Draft class on UConn defensive line prospect Travis Jones. With the NFL season coming to an eventful close it is time to put our focus to the 2022 NFL Draft Class.
Background
Coming from New Haven, Connecticut, Travis Jones always wanted to provide in a positive and effective way for his city. Playing at local Wilbur Cross High School, Jones became a noticeable force and presence within the football program due to his size and willingness playing both sides of the ball. Playing at at 6’5 350 frame Jones’ size allowed him to play defensive and offensive line with an imposing effectiveness. Due to his willingness to play both sides of the ball, Wilbur Cross experienced consistent success in terms of a potent rushing attack and a formidable defensive front. During his senior season Jones helped Wilbur Cross gain 2,992 total yards on offense with 1,548 of those yards on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball Jones collected 61 tackles and seven sacks.
Credit: Sports Team 8
Jones would see his hard work come to fruition as he would receive offers from Division 1 football programs such as Rutgers, Boston College, UConn, and many others. While larger programs such as Boston College and Rutgers recruited Jones he ultimately decided to stay in his home state and play for the UConn Huskies. It was at UConn that Jones was afforded the best opportunity to make an immediate contribution and provide a positive spark for a rebuilding football program.
Playing for the Huskies would prove to be beneficial for Jones as he instantly established a starting role on the defensive front from his freshman to senior year. While the UConn defensive unit struggled consistently as a whole during Jones’ tenure he himself experienced individual success that has allowed him to reach the national spotlight. Jones finished his career with 33 total starts, 134 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
Along with an accomplished and experienced college career, Jones parlayed his experience and production at the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Competing against the top senior prospects in the country Jones flashed the ability to consistently win 1 on 1 periods throughout the practice week and capped off his momentum with a sack in the actual game.
With Jones’ impressive Senior Bowl performances he has positioned himself as an ascending prospect among the defensive line position for the 2022 NFL Draft Class
Strengths
Possesses a large and stout frame (specifically in his upper body) to effectively play nose tackle or align as a 1 technique throughout his college career. With the inclusion of frequent pre - snap shifts from the defensive line in 2021, Jones was experienced and maintained the same level of play in both alignments.
Good core body strength to anchor down and stabilize positioning and leverage against double teams as A or B gap defender. This has allowed Jones to excel in odd 3 man defensive fronts that specialize in controlling and maintaining leverage against double teams in the interior section of the defensive line.
Very good initial punch and extension ability at the point of attack when afforded a one on one situation. As a one on one pass rusher Jones displays the ability to punch, stack, extension to control leverage, and use leg drive combined with power to overwhelm opposing lineman often leading to collapsed interior pockets.
Very good control and instincts as a run defender at the point of attack. If afforded a one on one matchup Jones displays the ability to extend his hands allowing him to peek into the backfield and quickly disengage from the lineman to meet the running back in stride wishing to attack the interior defensive line.
Flashed the ability to compete and maintain his same level of play against bigger opponents on his schedule in 2021 such as Purdue, and Clemson. Jones additionally displayed this is front of all 32 NFL teams at the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl where he utilized his power and strength to dominate the practice week.
Weaknesses
Lacking an explosive first step off the ball to cover ground and keep opposing lineman on their heels. Due to the size Jones possesses his engagements are slow and deliberate.
Has a tendency to raise his pad level into his pass rush often leading him to be stationary and unable to form effective countermeasures to get off the blocks of re - anchoring lineman.
Limited array of pass rush moves to add variety and versatility to his game. While Jones wins effectively with raw power, expanding his toolbox of moves and counters will expand his development and upside as a pass rusher.
Games Watched
Purdue (2021), Clemson (2021), Houston (2021)
Scheme Fit
Jones’ ideal scheme fit is at nose tackle (0 Tech) in an odd man front or 1 technique in an odd or even man front. These schemes / alignments allow Jones to use his size and power to effectively handle double teams and control the interior sectors of the defensive line. Jones’ two gapping and plugging ability not only will help free up space for his defensive counterparts but also will make opponents change their run schemes due to his instincts as an interior run defender.
Grade
Late Second Round Pick
