Michael Lombardi Says Best Is Yet to Come for Chandler Jones (Video)

by NESN Staff on Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 6:44PM

During the pre-draft process, there was a sudden spark in interest regarding Chandler Jones coming from the NFL Network.

NFL analysts Michael Lombardi and Mike Mayock were chief among those praising Jones, even saying he could wind up the best defensive player in the 2012 draft. So far, they're right.

Lombardi was on Dennis & Callahan on Monday talking about what the buzz around the league is regarding Jones so far in this young season. He said that many people are wondering how other defensive ends like Quinton Coples and Shea McClellin were chosen before him. Many teams viewed Jones as a tweener going into the draft, and weren't sure if he would be a defensive end in a 3-4 or 4-3, if he'd need to bulk up to play defensive tackle or if he had the agility to stand up and play outside linebacker.

The Patriots have used him as a 4-3 defensive end so far while occasionally having him stand up to rush the quarterback or drop back into coverage.

To hear what Lombardi had to say about Jones and who has the better chance at eight wins — the Jets or the Saints — watch the video above.