Jones looks to reclaim status as premiere defensive tackle
If Art Jones was looking for a platform to rescue a potentially fragile NFL Draft status, he got it Tuesday at the Carrier Dome.
Before suffering a season-ending knee injury Nov. 7 in Syracuse’s 37-10 loss to Pittsburgh, the former SU nose tackle was widely believed to be one of the top defensive linemen available in the 2010 NFL Draft. But the injury — his second major setback within a year — caused some around the league to question his durability.
‘There were definitely questions,’ an AFC representative who wished to remain anonymous said outside the Dome. ‘But today was just part of the evaluation process, and he showed a lot.’
Itching to get an up-close and personal look at Jones after he rehabbed that knee, 20 NFL representatives attended Tuesday’s Pro Day. Headlined by Jones, a total of five former Orange players participated in the workout, including quarterback Greg Paulus, wide receiver Lavar Lobdell, tight end Mike Owen and former safety Paul Chiara — who last played at SU in 2008.
Until Tuesday, Jones’ recovery was still a mystery. He hadn’t been on the field since November, and with the April 22 NFL Draft just weeks away, the jury was still out on whether he was one of the most high-profile interior linemen available.
‘It went well,’ Jones said following his workout Tuesday. ‘I’m OK with my performance as far as my defensive line drills. I think I did a pretty good job. It was a little tougher doing drills by yourself. I’m used to having a couple other guys there. Overall, it went pretty well.’
In nine games this past season, Jones collected 19 tackles, seven for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. He also finished his collegiate career with 38.5 tackles for loss, the most in program history by an interior defensive lineman. But despite his production, and combination of size (6 feet 4 inches, 293-pounds) and agility, the questions were about how he would recover and how he would look after not being on the field in months.
For one NFC representative who also wished to remain anonymous, those questions were answered at the workout.
‘Nobody wants to show their cards this close to the draft,’ he started, ‘but I think he showed today that, physically, he’s back to where he was.’
Just over a year ago, Jones had entertained the idea of forgoing his senior season and declaring for the 2009 NFL Draft. But a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery prevented him from doing so. One year later — and another injury rehabbed — the Endicott, N.Y., native was finally ready to show NFL teams what he’s capable of on the field.
Jones participated in every drill except the 40-yard dash, which he opted to skip due to a sore hamstring.
A few days prior to Tuesday’s workout, Jones made an appearance at SU’s two and a half hour spring practice on Friday. He said he had been in Arizona, working out and rehabbing for three consecutive months in preparation for Tuesday. Roaming the sideline and chatting it up with those interested in his progress, he looked noticeably slim and lean, and appeared to have no lingering effects of the knee injury that ended his season in November.
And on Friday, Jones couldn’t help cracking a smile while giving his preference on where he would like to play as an NFL rookie next season.
Said Jones: ‘Whoever is paying the most money.’
