After recently losing multiple defensive lineman to injury, The San Francisco 49ers signed free agent Datone Jones on Monday. What should the Niners expect from the former first-round draft pick?
Yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line received a needed boost with the signing of former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Datone Jones. Jones — a first-round draft pick in 2013 — signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason, but never played a regular-season down with the team.
The 49ers sustained multiple injuries on their defensive line in recent weeks, with both starting defensive ends — Arik Armstead and Tank Carradine — currently on injured reserve. In addition, defensive end Aaron Lynch missed last week’s matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, and is considered week-to-week due to an injured calf.
Although Jones wasn’t the immediate impact player the Packers hoped they drafted with the 26th overall pick, he was a productive role player who played in a variety of locations on Green Bay’s defensive line. The 27 year old — a player Niner Noise’s Peter Panacy stated the 49ers should have targeted last offseason — will likely find an immediate role with his new team.
Jones projects best as a “big end” 5-technique defensive end in coordinator Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme, but expect Jones to be used as a rotational player in his first few games with the 49ers. The versatile lineman also has experience as a “LEO” 9-technique defensive end, and as an interior rusher on passing downs.
Over Jones’ four years with the Packers, he accumulated nine sacks, 58 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Jones is listed at 6-foot-5 and 288 pounds.
With the team’s injuries on the defensive line, Datone Jones will be given the opportunity to make an immediate impact for the San Francisco 49ers.
About the Author: Chris Wilson
