Getty ImagesThe New England Patriots announced Wednesday that they have signed first-round pick Chandler Jones to a rookie contract. The deal should be for four years with a team option for a fifth.
Before the draft, NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi and Mike Mayock both predicted that Jones will develop into the best defender in the entire 2012 class. The Pats were similarly high on Jones, seeing as they traded up to land him, surrendering the 27th and 93rd overall picks in a first-day deal with the Bengals.
Jones is 6-foot-5 and 266 pounds with incredibly long arms (35 1/2 inches). Considered a relentless pass rusher with a high ceiling, Jones projects as New England’s starting right defensive end as a rookie. Jonathan Fanene figures to be the base left end, with Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love clogging the middle.
As ESPN Boston’s Field Yates notes, the Patriots have two draft picks left to sign: first-round linebacker Dont’a Hightower and third-round defensive end Jake Bequette.
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syracuse fan here. beware pats fan, he has got a hellacious first step but he is going to need a few more moves or considerable added strength in the pro`s. still would have loved to see him in a bills uni.
If he had gone to the Bills, he’d bust in 2 years (just like every Bill does). As a Patriot, he’ll be a Pro Bowler.
Great job Pats! Glad to see a pass rusher locked up in NE that could potentially great! With that being said lets turn it over to the New England haters who will dazzle us all with there moronic spygate, and cheating comments. Take it away DB’s.
Jones had just 22 reps at the Combine so there’s plenty of room for improvement there.
But at this point in his development, that’s hardly a concern.
Top 5 in vertical, broad jump and in the cone drill. Plus a good-for-his-size 4.8 forty. I think his length alone will make him a defensive factor by mid-season.
Most important, with the appropriate coaching, watch out for this guy in 2013.
Field Yates doing great stuff over there in Boston
I’m not sure Jones is destined to be a star, as so many of ESPN’s analysts seem to be sold on. He’s got speed and strength, but his skill set is limited, in my opinion. He was a one trick pony at Syracuse.
10.5 sacks in 32 College games, that sure sounds like a relentless pass rusher to me… not.
Jones has a high ceiling. Over 10′, actually, so he can stretch out those vines hanging from his shoulders from time to time.
I don’t know where these people get the idea that he isn’t strong. I suspect it has more to do with his build than his film.
Definitely watched him get double-teamed at Syracuse and still win for sacks and QB pressures. He has the athleticism, just needs to add a few more moves… with his talent it should be no problem if he’s got the work ethic they say he does.
lolb23 says:May 23, 2012 5:07 PM
If he had gone to the Bills, he’d bust in 2 years (just like every Bill does). As a Patriot, he’ll be a Pro Bowler.
Yeah Sure – just like that bunch of all pros that won you the super b…..
oh nevermind
just stay healthy. thanks
rc33 says:May 23, 2012 5:15 PM
Jones had just 22 reps at the Combine so there’s plenty of room for improvement there.
But at this point in his development, that’s hardly a concern.
Top 5 in vertical, broad jump and in the cone drill. Plus a good-for-his-size 4.8 forty.
Can he play. Can he get in the QB’s grille quickly
is all I care about.
Belichick is the best at the draft so I have faith in Jones.
Yeah Sure – just like that bunch of all pros that won you the super b…..
oh nevermind
This coming from a Jags fan? You guys have not even sniffed the playoffs in forever. Its better to have made it to the SB and lost, than being a team that is not even worthy of being called an afterthought – is “neverthought” a word?
Yeah like when Mike Mayock said Robert Ayers would be the best player in the 2009 draft in 3 years. Ranked Gerald Mccoy higher than Ndamukong Suh. That’s why Mike Mayock can’t be an NFL general manager a lot of the things he says doesn’t make any sense. Like Blaine Gabbert as the #1 quarterback on his draft board last year. Imagine a Mike Mayock football team with Gabbert, Mccoy, and Ayers. Championship!
If or when he becomes a decent pass rusher, he’ll want pass rusher money. Then he’ll shuffle off to Buffalo.
dynaco says:May 23, 2012 7:18 PM
If or when he becomes a decent pass rusher, he’ll want pass rusher money. Then he’ll shuffle off to Buffalo
Yes sweetheart…Buffalo is the place everyone wishes to play for. Gosh , am surprised Brees hasn’t demanded a trade there.
The only reason a great player would wish to go to Buffalo..is money $$$ ..Not their winning tradition [ not] or quality of life [ not],,or ownership [ not]..just money.
Thats why they must be top heavy. they do not overpay for FA’s, then they have no shot. And thats why, each year, they fall apart cause there is poor bottom 25.
The only measureable that matters when a player joins the Patriots is ring size. You dig?
49erjohnny says:May 23, 2012 7:07 PM
Yeah like when Mike Mayock said Robert Ayers would be the best player in the 2009 draft in 3 years. Ranked Gerald Mccoy higher than Ndamukong Suh. That’s why Mike Mayock can’t be an NFL general manager a lot of the things he says doesn’t make any sense. Like Blaine Gabbert as the #1 quarterback on his draft board last year. Imagine a Mike Mayock football team with Gabbert, Mccoy, and Ayers. Championship!
—————-
I agree that Mayock doesn’t have a clue, but Belichick has had good touch with 1st rounders overall. Mankins, Wilfork, Mayo, Seymour. Meriweather was good until he couldn’t adjust to the new hitting rules. Maroney was a bust I guess, but he was ok for a stretch. It’s not a bad track record.
Belichick’s 1st round DL’s/LB’s prior to this draft:
Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarrod Mayo.
He doesn’t make the picks unless he’s pretty sure
I guess when you lose to the Giants in the superbowl enough you’ll eventually take a page from their playbook. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, eh? You need pass rushers in this league, it looks like defensive ‘genius’ bill belichik finally realized that studs like Rob Ninkovich won’t get the job done
kelvinmchale says:May 23, 2012 7:31 PM
The only measureable that matters when a player joins the Patriots is ring size. You dig?
Would that be RUNNER UP RING SIZE?
Tom Brady – Luggz – Dancing in Rio – Wierdo Hairstyle – carrying a baby goat in his overalls in GQ…..
That’s why you have not and will not win another one.
Did I mention the part about the baby goat?
Since when are 35 1/2 inch arms considered “incredibly long”? Mine are longer than that, and I’m shorter than Jones. I guess that’s why my uncle Kevin calls me “Sasquatch.”
Jagz fan talking Superbowl smack?
Whatever next??
It’s always interesting when someone from another team posts a comment about your team that is off topic and has nothing to do with the topic of the article. We know what THAT means! So, jagsfan; I will reply in kind:
Jacksonville Jaquars team history
Super Bowl Championships
none
Super Bowl Appearances
none
AFC Championship Games (2)
1996, 1999
Division Championships (2)
1998,1999
Record in Playoffs
5 – 6 .455
Defensive or Offensive Rookie of the Year
none
Defensive or Offensive Player of the Year
none
Coach of the Year
none
NFL MVP
none
Sorry, no credit given for former coaches winning the Super Bowl.
Enough said?
^^^ No but your publically announcing your a Jags fan. is that why your so bitter? Because you actually have arguments over the best QB to ever play for your team and your top choices are Byron Leftwich and David Gerrard? You may want to refill that paxil prescription.
Bust.
The ring size is second most important when your a Patriot. First most important is removing the Giants name from the ring.