Dawand Jones Makes Big Early Impression at Senior Bowl

By Dan Hope on January 31, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Dawand Jones
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Dawand Jones is making a big impression – literally – at the Senior Bowl.

That started on Sunday evening when he measured in with the longest wingspan – 89 1/2 inches – in Senior Bowl history. Jones’ full weigh-in results were released Tuesday, and the rest of his measurables are equally eye-popping.

At 375 pounds, Jones weighed in 16 pounds heavier than his listed weight at Ohio State. Even by the standards of an NFL offensive lineman, Jones’ measurables are massive, making him one of the largest draft prospects in recent history.

NFL Network posted a video clip that showed just how massive Jones’ hand is compared to the average human.

Of course, Jones’ size is no surprise, as anyone who saw Jones play at Ohio State knew he was a gigantic human being. The more important task for Jones this week is to stand out for more than just his size on the field – and that’s exactly what he did during the first day of practice for the National Team on Tuesday.

By all accounts, Jones had a dominant first practice as he overpowered opposing defensive ends and drew rave reviews from those watching practice in Mobile, Alabama.

Jones has been widely projected as a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but buzz about Jones as a potential first-round pick had already picked up by the time Tuesday’s first practice was over. He’s one of five players from Ohio State currently in the first-round conversation; C.J. Stroud, Paris Johnson Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are all expected to be first-round picks, while Zach Harrison (who was also slated to participate in the Senior Bowl but did not end up making the trip) has also been projected as a first-rounder in some mock drafts.

Jones is one of two Buckeyes participating in this week’s Senior Bowl along with safety Ronnie Hickman. They’ll practice again on Wednesday and Thursday before playing in Saturday’s game. Practices are being broadcast by ESPNU and NFL+ while the game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, will be televised on NFL Network.

They’re two of five Buckeyes participating in pre-draft all-star games this week along with former Ohio State cornerback Cameron Brown and defensive tackles Jerron Cage and Taron Vincent, who are all playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl (8:30 p.m. Thursday, NFL Network).

All three of them drew their share of praise during their week of practices at the Shrine Bowl, where the final day of practice was held Tuesday.

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