FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots added a Chandler Jones-esque player Saturday when they drafted Arkansas defensive end Deatrich Wise. Just ask him.
At 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Wise is a tad heavier than Jones was when he entered the NFL in 2012, but otherwise, the pass rushers have startlingly similar physical profiles. It’s no surprise, then, that Wise, whom the Patriots selected in the fourth round (131st overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, said he has modeled his game after the former Patriots star.
Just take a look at Wise’s and Jones’ measurables from their respective NFL Scouting Combines:
Deatrich Wise
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 274 pounds
Arm length: 35 5/8 inches
Hand size: 10 1/2 inches
40-yard dash: 4.92 seconds
Bench press: 22 reps
Vertical jump: 33 inches
Broad jump: 125 inches
3-cone drill: 7.07 seconds
Chandler Jones (in 2012)
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 266 pounds
Arm length: 35 1/2 inches
Hand size: 9 3/4 inches
40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
Bench press: 22 reps
Vertical jump: 35 inches
Broad jump: 120 inches
3-cone drill: 7.07 seconds
NFL prospect evaluation site MockDraftable listed — you guessed it — Jones as Wise’s closest pro comparison.
Wise, who will rejoin former Arkansas teammate Trey Flowers in New England’s defensive front seven, has heard the Jones comparison before.
“I’ve watched him a few times,” he said in his introductory conference call with New England reporters. “I was also compared to him by a few people. Similar body style, similar play style. We have long arms, we’re real good with our first step. Great turn around the edge, rushing the passer. He’s a relentless, aggressive player, and I model my game similar to his.”
Jones, a first-round pick of the Patriots in 2012, played his first four pro seasons in New England, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015. He was traded to Arizona last offseason and signed a five-year contract extension with the Cardinals in March.
In 50 games at Arkansas, Wise tallied 112 tackles, 16 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles. He was the second defensive end the Patriots drafted, following Youngstown State’s Derek Rivers (83rd overall).
Thumbnail photo via Crystal LoGiudice/USA TODAY Sports Images
