Ole Miss Football: A look at the Rebels in the 2020 NFL Draft
Benito Jones, NT
Nose tackle Benito Jones is another Rebels player whose invitation to Indy didn’t surprise many Ole Miss football fans. In fact, it was almost expected after his incredible career in Oxford. Jones came to Oxford looking like a future NFL player and played the part well. Jones appeared in 48 games while making 36 starts and finished his career with 132 total tackles of which 66 were solo tackles. Jones’ 31 tackles for loss rank 9th all-time at Ole Miss while his 10.5 sacks rank 11th all-time for the Rebels. Jones also had 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
Jones checked into the 2020 NFL Combine at 6’1″ and 316 lbs and was outstanding. Jones exited the Combine with an official overall grade of 6.10 largely based on the athleticism he showed the NFL scouts in attendance. Jones had a 5.26 time in the 40-yard dash. 8.21 3-cone drill time and a 5.27 time in the 20-yard shuttle. Jones added a 26.5″ vertical jump which is impressive for a big nose tackle.
Based on his combine performance, NFL.com has Jones projected as a good backup who could become a starter. OHT agrees with the projection based on the evaluation given by scouts who were at the combine. The scouts believe Jones has excellent football character and never stops throughout the play. Jones can re-calibrate at the line quickly to adjust to different blocking schemes with a great arm-over move into the A-gaps. Some NFL teams may try to catch Jones in the later rounds but OHT believes at least one team will not let that happen.
OHT Draft Projection: Middle/Late 3rd Round or Early 4th Round
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So, like most NFL fans, Ole Miss football fans will be watching and waiting to see where these four Rebels begin their roads in the NFL. We can’t be sure at this point just how well the new pandemic version of the 2020 NFL Draft will work or be received but we can be sure it will be thrilling for the prospects involved. The NFL Draft will begin Thursday April 23rd in Bristol, Connecticut and run thru Saturday April 25th. OHT wishes all four Rebels good luck and hope we get to see them in action this fall. As always, Hotty Toddy!