The Green Bay Packers' defensive front got better last night when they picked up Datone Jones with the 26th pick in the draft. Jones is an extremely athletic lineman who excelled as both a 4-3 end and pass-rushing tackle at UCLA who projects to 3-4 defensive end in the Packers' scheme. He didn't waste any time last night before he invoked the name of one of the greatest Packers of all time.
Jones: ...said inspired by Reggie White's philosophy of just beating the man in front of him, no matter system #Packers
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 26, 2013
He also set a high standard for himself out of the gate, but made sure he did it in a measured way that makes him come off as understanding that his raw ability won't automatically lead him to success.
Jones: Want to be best player of all time, in order to be that, everything has to be in line, on & off field. #Packers
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 26, 2013
The Packers' Twitter account also sent out some thoughts from defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who was happy to add a player with Jones' speed, size and versatility.
Capers: At DE, you like to have a guy with his kind of height. He has a big frame. #Packers
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 26, 2013
Capers: You like to have as much speed as you can. It's become a space game, you are going to be spread out. #Packers
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 26, 2013
Capers: He could go outside, he can play down over a guard, it gives you more flexibility. We do that with Clay. #Packers
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 26, 2013
Before the draft, Jones seemed like he knew that going to Green Bay was a distinct possibility. When asked about the Packers, he showed specific knowledge of the team when he said that "[t]hey run a multiple defense but for the most part they run the 3-4 defense, and I feel like when they go to third-down mode with their nickel package, I can rush from the interior. Me as the 'three-tech,' big (B.J.) Raji as a nose, play next to Nick Perry and go to work."
We'll have our grades for the pick out shortly, but I'll give you a little spoiler: I'm a big fan. I was behind picking Jones all week, and I'm thrilled we got him.
Check out all of Acme Packing Company's draft coverage: 2013 NFL Draft Central | Green Bay Selects Datone Jones in First Round | Packers' Team Needs | Prospect Film Study Profiles | Packers' Complete Draft Order
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