Broncos beef up D-line with Dre'Mont Jones selection

The Denver Broncos selected defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones out of Ohio State in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 71st overall.

Jones is coming off a breakout season at Ohio State where he registered 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and an interception that he returned 28 yards for a touchdown.

The Broncos came into the draft looking to strengthen their defensive line after struggling to contain opposing running games last year.

Prospect profile

School: Ohio State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 281 lbs

Strengths

• Excellent first-step quickness is often difficult to defend
• Has violent hands and uses nasty cross chop
• Very good gap penetration skills against the pass and run
• Great body control and keeps balance/bend through contact
• Number of effective snaps setting the edge as a defensive end
• Uses variety of pass-rush moves

Weaknesses

• Undersized
• Lacks pure power and has difficulty shedding against the run
• Subpar athlete and change-of-direction skills
• Likely only a 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3
• Can play high and narrow at times
• Lacks plan of attack when knocked off first move

Bottom line

Jones has considerable upside as an interior pass-rusher, but must improve his play strength and ability to shed blocks to find a role early in his NFL career. He likely fits only as a 3-technique, one-gap defensive tackle, but he's very good at what he does. Jones makes a number of plays in the backfield and has the traits to thrive in a pass-happy NFL.