Minnesota Vikings 2020 NFL Draft Profile: Josh Jones – OT
By Luke Parrish
With a run expected to hit offensive tackles early in the 2020 NFL Draft, can the Minnesota Vikings land him with the 25th overall pick?
Josh Jones stands out athletically in a class that is loaded with athletic and powerful offensive linemen. The University of Houston is not a powerhouse football program, but it has produced some NFL talent in recent drafts.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum is one of a handful of former Cougars to play in the NFL. Jones hopes to be the second Cougar in as many years to be a first-round draft pick, following Ed Oliver in 2019.
As this year’s NFL Draft nears, Jones is getting more and more attention as a developmental tackle. He passes the eye test as an athletically-gifted left tackle who can win in space. His size and physical measurements are ideal for a young left tackle and his name is really heating up.
After redshirting his freshman season, Jones entered the starting lineup in 2016. He was a full-time starter for the rest of his collegiate career, missing just two games due to injury during his four-year stint as a starter.
Jones is considered a bit of a project, but he has a ton of potential as he heads into the NFL. A good coach and situation around him will help him develop into a star left tackle in the near future.
Josh Jones – OT (Houston)
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 319 pounds
Pros:
- Excellent in space
- Great overall athlete
- Favorable length
- Has the tools to become a high-end tackle
- Physical traits stand out
- Has shown improvement as a blocker in the run game already
Cons:
- Needs to clean up his footwork and overall technique
- Size distribution can hurt him against quicker rushers
- Scheme fit will be vital early in his career
- Not a polished player entering the draft
Why he could fall:
There will be run on offensive tackles. However, Jones is not nearly as polished as a prospect and lacks experience against top-tier talent in live-action.
Why he could rise:
Teams will continue to fall in love with his athleticism and raw potential at a premium position. With the top-four tackles off the board, Jones could hear his name even earlier than expected due to need and his high ceiling.
NFL Draft Projection:
I believe Josh Jones is a first-round player and will be selected before the opening night of the draft wraps up. The positional value will definitely be a factor on draft night.
Projection: Mid-to-late first-round pick