ESPN draft expert explains how 'polarizing' prospect Dawand Jones can improve stock at Senior Bowl

With the Senior Bowl set to take place on Saturday, Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones has a massive opportunity in front of him. Although Jones is not currently projected to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft according to a recent ESPN mock, he can make his case with a strong showing this week.

Tuesday marked the first day of practice for the Senior Bowl, with Jones getting the chance to show off his skills against some of the top defensive prospects. ESPN NFL Draft expert Jordan Reid is excited to see how Jones performs, labeling him one of the most “polarizing” prospects in a recent Senior Bowl roundtable.

“At 6-8 and 360 pounds, he is a massive blocker who made strides over the past year,” Reid wrote. “Once he gets his hands on defenders, Jones uses his strength to overwhelm them, often ending rush attempts before they’re able to get started. The group of edge rushers in Mobile will present a great test for him after a standout year for the Buckeyes (12 starts, zero sacks allowed). At the moment, Jones is a probable top-75 pick.”

Jones has all the physical tools to make him an enticing prospect. In addition to his 6-foot-8 frame, he also has an 89 1/2-inch wingspan which is the longest in Senior Bowl history. Still, for him to move up draft boards, he must prove to scouts this week he can use that to make an impact on the field.

Dawand Jones got off to a good start in that regard at Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice. Video emerged of him blocking Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey, with Jones more than holding his own. He also had another highlight as he held off Oregon edge rusher DJ Johnson.

Jones was named third team All-Big Ten this past season after helping the Buckeyes offense finish second in scoring (44.2 points per game) and ninth overall (490.7 yards per game). Ohio State allowed a sack on just 2.8% of quarterback drop backs, ranking 28th in the FBS.

Practices for the Senior Bowl will continue throughout the week before the game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Mobile, Alabama.