Written By Adam Aniba
The offensive line prospects in this years draft class, might just be the best overall group in over a decade.
The depth is what jumps out with multiple day 3 prospects that have the chance to be developed and be immediate contributors. One of those o-line prospects is Texas right tackle Christian Jones.
Christian Jones
6'5" 305 lbs | RT | TEX
Proj Late 4th-5th Rd
Background
Christian Jones grew up in Cypress, TX and attended Cypress Woods High School. Jones first love was soccer, but decided to strictly commit to football during his junior season at Cypress.
Jones played along the defensive and offensive lines during his last two years at Cypress Woods, but lined up primarily at offensive tackle during his senior season when he was named a team captain.
The Cypress Woods tackle was selected to the 1st-Team All-District 17-6A Team and received Academic All-District honors as well in 2017.
As a a senior Jones helped pave the way for a Cypress Woods rushing attack that registered 2,129 rushing yards for an average of 236.6 yards per game. The offense featured 6 different players who rushed for at least 200 yards.
Jones was recognized as a Top 100 area recruit by the Houston Chronicle and ranked No. 136 in the state of Texas by ESPN. The Cypress Woods tackle received marginal attention during the recruiting process and ultimately committed to to play for Texas, after only playing organized football for two years.
As a true freshman in 2018 Jones wasn't active in any of the games, but played in 13 games the following season on the field goal unit.
In 2020 Jones started all 10 games, initially lining up at right tackle, before moving to left tackle after week 9 of the season. Jones help lead the way for a Longhorns offense that averaged 42.7 points per game (2nd best in school history).
Fast forward to 2023 and Jones started all 13 games at right tackle, after moving back and forth between LT and RT the previous two seasons.
Jones statement game came in an 34-24 upset win for the Longhorns against Alabama (9/9) last season. In the match-up Jones helped pave the way for 454 total yards of offense against the Crimson Tide defense (first ever road win vs an AP Top-3 program).
Jones was recognized for his play and was selected the All-Big 12 Team by USA Today for the second consecutive season. In addition the Longhorns tackle was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award (recognizing the best o-line unit in college football).
PROS
Displays a powerful initial punch with the ability to stonewall bull-rushers
Effectively utilizes his length (34 1/2 " arms) to redirect pass rushers
Understands how to counter twists and stunts
Plays with a mauler mentality, consistently seeks out contact
Relentless motor who loves to mix it up
CONS
Guilty of lunging if out of position
Has issues with gap control leading some to believe he should move inside on the next level
Stance too upright, needs to work on overall bend
Struggled at times when facing athletic pass rushers who can bend the edge
Struggles at times when asked to pull and block out in space
Outlook
While at Texas Jones was active in 61 career games with 48 starts. The majority of his starts came at right tackle, which is the best fit for Jones on the next level.
The Longhorns run scheme centered around zone, counter with power mixed in. Jones is still developing but could be a valuable swing tackle to start his career. During the Senior Bowl Jones even saw some time at guard in 1-on-1 pass rush drills and impressed.
Jones as demonstrated tremendous work ethic on and off the filed during his collegiate career. He boasts the reputation as being coach-able and willing to play where ever he's needed.
The Longhorns tackle is an impressive athlete for a man his size and will likely be available late in Round 3.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/9/23 vs Alabama, 9/23 vs Baylor, 10/7 vs Oklahoma, 10/21 vs Houston, 12/2 Oklahoma St. & 1/1/24 vs Washington
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
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