From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
# 74 Josh Jones/OT Houston – 6’4”, 310 lbs
The Good
- Great functional athleticism that allows him to reach the second level with ease
- Smooth, quick, and fleet footwork that show up in his pass sets
- Great aggressiveness and gets after it in the trenches
- Great snatch and trap move that buries defenders into the dirt
- Really good mover in space on pulls or reaches
- Flexibility in his hips is fantastic
- Elite length has all the physical tools to be a tackle in the NFL
- A good processor that can stop twists
- Clearly improved his hands this year, placement is much more consistent
- Really experienced guy who has taken leaps each year
- Packs a real punch with his punches
- Good strength at the point of attack
- Love the anchor he possesses when getting bull-rushed
The Bad
- Wish he had better grip strength so he could really just drive guys
- Has flashes of great pad level, but pops up far too often
- While placement got better, the timing of his punches must improve
- Leaves his chest too open to strikes
- Lunges forward too often and leaves himself prone to inside counters
- Tries to muscle guys too often instead of going through proper technique
- Kick-slide strides are often off-beat and wild
- When he pops up, struggles to a hat on a hat in the run game
Bio
- A four-year starter, all games at LT
- Senior Bowl Invitee
- Missed three games in his Sophomore year with a knee injury
- Former basketball player in high school
- Team Captain his Senior year
When looking at tackles, athleticism is something that either stands out in a very good way or an extremely bad way, and you can tell right off the bat which is the case.