With the 71st pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos selected Ohio State defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones on Friday evening.
Jones (6-3, 281 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 5.12 seconds and ran a 20-yard shuttle in 4.53 seconds at the combine earlier this offseason. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared Jones to Nick Fairley, who was a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Jones is a defensive tackle but he will likely play as a defensive end in Denver’s 3-4 defense. Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe, 29, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. Denver may be planning ahead by selecting Jones as a future replacement.
During his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Jones totaled 114 tackles (including 22 tackles for losses) and 9.5 sacks. He had a career year as a senior, totaling 43 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
Jones also intercepted one pass, broke up four passes, recovered three fumbles and forced one fumble during his time at Ohio State. He was a disruptive playmaker in college and will compete for a rotational role on the Broncos’ defensive line in 2019.
