Getty ImagesThere were rumors leading up to the draft that the Patriots were high on Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones, and they executed a rare (for New England) first-round trade up to draft Jones with the 21st overall pick.
Jones was considered a “late riser” in the draft process. Most draftniks didn’t catch onto Jones until late in the process because he was not an overly productive player, managing just 10 career sacks.
But NFL teams were infatuated with Jones’ relentless motor and Pierre-Paulian length. He has incredibly long 35 1/2-inch arms and can afford to pack more than his current 266 pounds onto a 6-foot-5-and-change frame. There is a lot of “growth potential” here.
Jones could develop into the franchise-caliber pass rusher for which New England fans have long clamored.
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Bust.
i cant believe the patriots actually liked somebody in the 1st round….shocking!!!
Who? Seriously…
well, that should help them not win since getting caught cheating.
awful pick… 22 reps? 4.87 ? slow and weak? and not durable? #bust
Pats just continue to retool and kick @ss.
Future All Pro in Bill’s mixed defensive schemed. Match made in heaven.
Mikee Mayock said Jones will be the best player in three years from the 2012 draft.
Lets hope he is right but lets see who is smarter than the guys on TV getting paid $$$ for their opinions as opposed to most of us who get their info on the net.
Really? It’s like I don’t know Bill anymore
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I guess this makes it official. Hell finally has frozen over.
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YES!
Bill, nice pick…now keep the foot on the pedal b/c this defense needs help!
What did they give up?
He’s Willie McGinest, thrilled.
Love this kid ….. didn’t think Belichick was going to trade up, but he pulled off a great trade to get some much needed help on the D-Line with selection Lucky #21 ! Welcome to New England Chandler Jones!
I think the Pats must have loved what they saw with Chandler’s brother, Jon “Bone” Jones, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Or Arthur Jones, his other brother on the Ravens. He has good pedigree, if nothing else.
Could you have picked a fruitier photo to post for this?
@tedmurph
He reminds me more of Seymour…upside, hasn’t filled fully into his frame, and nitwits like above who don’t like him because he is not a combine freak…
Hightower seems like he is going to be the Elephant in the D which they haven’t been able to replace since McGinnest had left. This is another solid pick for the middle of the D.
I like the way they moved to get them more than the picks, as lets be honest, who really knows what players will be a bust and what players will pan out.
Every comment I’ve read from Jones and Chandler is encouraging. Versatility is key to Bill, and that’s what he’s going after. He’s trying to get McGinest the sequel in Jones. Let’s hope it works out.
I heard someone on Espn call Jones the next Lawrence Taylor and the last Syracuse defensive player drafted in the first round was Dwight Freeney. I hope he is the real deal because the Patriots need a pass rusher like LT needs a lawyer on speed dial.