Travis Jones Scouting Report: Travis Jones NFL Draft Profile
Defensive Tackle, UConn Huskies, #57
Travis Jones Measurements
6’4” / 333 lbs
40 Time: 5.2 (projected)
Travis Jones NFL Draft Profile
Playing as both an offensive lineman and defensive tackle, Travis was rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals. During his senior season, Jones would rack up 61 tackles with seven sacks. Travis was originally committed to play football at Rutgers University. However, less than 24 hours after his commitment, he would decommit. Jones stated, “I decided too quickly. I want to take a step back and make sure that I explore all of my options and make the right decision.” Barely a month later he would announce his commitment to the University of Connecticut, and this time he would follow through.
UCONN DT Travis Jones
While some thought that he would end up playing offensive tackle at UConn, Travis would end up at defensive tackle. His freshman season in 2018, Jones would play in all 12 games while making 10 starts
He would finish the season with a total of 46 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. In 2019, he would add another 40 tackles, with 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery while again playing in all 12 of UConn’s games. While the Huskies are struggling this season, currently 1-8, Jones has still been productive. So far he’s managed to account for 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks in the eight games he’s played.
Travis Jones Strengths
Strength
If invited to the 2022 NFL Draft Combine, I expect Jones to put up impressive numbers on the bench press. He shows his strength on the field by being a tough matchup to move off his spot. Even against double teams, Travis isn’t easily pushed around. His bull rush can be crazy good at times, allowing him to push the offensive lineman right into the quarterback’s lap. Even while still engaged with an offensive lineman, he’s strong enough to stop a running back in their tracks with just one arm.
Run Defense
I had to work really hard not to talk about it too much during the paragraph about Jones’ strength. Travis has the potential to be a dominant presence against the run. His massive size allows him to take up a ton of space along the interior of the defensive line. Like I mentioned before, he’s strong and isn’t easy to move. He does a really nice job of being able to get off blocks as well. So while he might not be penetrating on a running play, if the ball carrier comes close then Jones can make the play. While he might not make plays to fill up the stat sheet, his presence allows for his teammates to have more opportunities to make plays.
Travis Jones Weaknesses
Stamina Concerns
I need to begin by stating that I haven’t actually seen Jones play in person. Therefore, it’s tough to tell how well conditioned he is. With that said, I have to point out that there were long periods of time during his games when he wasn’t on the field. We’re talking entire defensive drives at a time. Could this have been an issue of a specific game plans? Sure. But why would you scheme one of the best players on your team not to be on the field? Seeing this in every game I watched also makes me think that Travis’ conditioning just isn’t were it needs to be.
Inconsistent
UCONN DT Travis Jones
When Jones plays well, you like what you see. You can see why he is seen as a NFL talent. A big issue is that his play isn’t consistent enough. Against Vanderbilt, Travis finished with seven tackles. There was a stretch early in the second half that accounted for most of those plays. The rest of the game, there wasn’t much to talk about. I watched UConn-Army specifically to see him against a great running attack. He was a non-factor the entire game. If he played up to his potential more often, his draft stock would be much higher. The talent is there, just not as much as you would like it to be.
Travis Jones Draft Stock
I was intrigued to discover that Jones was actually mocked as a first round pick before the season started. This was in not just one, but four separate Sports Illustrated mock drafts. Jones has since seen a decline in his draft stock. ESPN’s Mel Kiper recently had him rated as his #7 defensive tackle. NFL Mock Draft Database has him rated as the 132nd overall draft prospect for the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.
Travis Jones NFL Draft Profile Final Thoughts
Jones is a player that I’m glad that I watched tape from both the beginning and later stages of the season. Honestly, I wasn’t terribly impressed with some of the early season stuff. Then, against Vanderbilt, you see him flash on more than a handful of plays. I know it’s the bottom of the SEC, but he still looks dominant vs SEC competition. Even later in the season you start to see some of the concerns I had about him starting to be corrected. It’s encouraging to see a player progressing.
Recently, he was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl. I hope to see him there to see if he can build off his late season momentum. Currently ranked by PFF as the #2 interior defensive lineman, with a grade of 89.5, I think he can. I could see him being a board riser as the draft process moves forward. My biggest issue with him his is overall consistency. He has stretches where he’s truly a dominant force on the field. Then others where he’s just out there. Finally there’s my concern over his overall stamina. You can only be a problem to opposing offenses if you’re out on the field.
With that, I see Jones as a Day 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Travis Jones Pro Comparison: DJ Reader (DT / Cincinnati Bengals)
Travis Jones Scouting Report by Brandon Claburn
