Summary

DaQuan Jones was selected in Round 4 (#112 Overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Penn State University. Jones was a steady contributor in college, finishing his Penn State career with 83 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, while earning a reputation for toughness and gap discipline. In the NFL, Jones has built a long, reliable career with the Titans, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills, carving out value as a high-end run-defending defensive tackle. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 140+ career games, recording 300+ tackles, 25+ tackles for loss, and multiple sacks, while consistently anchoring the interior against the run. With Buffalo, Jones has been a critical piece of the defensive front, helping the Bills rank among the league’s top run defenses when healthy. He is widely regarded as a high-character, professional veteran, praised for toughness, leadership, preparation habits, and willingness to embrace unglamorous interior roles.

Strengths

• Codename The Clogger: Strong at the point of attack and consistently clogs interior gaps. Keeps linebackers clean by occupying interior blockers and has extensive experience against diverse run schemes.

• Play Strength: Difficult to move off his spot and holds ground against double teams.

• Early-Down Value: Reliable first- and second-down defender versus the run. Disciplined in his gap assignments.

• Hand Strength: Effective punch and grip to control guards and centers.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Ceiling: Limited interior pressure and not a consistent third-down disruptor. Any pressures he is able to manifest rarely convert to sacks.

• First-Step Explosiveness: Lacks sudden penetration ability.

• Lateral Range: Limited pursuit outside the tackle box.

• Stamina: Best utilized in rotational usage rather than extended high snap counts. Athletic decline must be managed with snap distribution due to downward age slope.

Outlook

Jones is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s disciplined, physical defensive front, where interior defenders are asked to win early downs, control gaps, and protect the second level. He thrives as a 1-technique or shade nose tackle, allowing the Bills to remain stout against downhill rushing attacks and short-yardage situations. His presence enables Buffalo to rotate more explosive interior rushers on passing downs without sacrificing run integrity. Due to his role as a situational starter or high-end rotational defensive tackle whose value is rooted in run defense and reliability, Jones won’t grade out high in the Depth algorithm that rewards pass rushing interior disruptors, but his experience provides a high floor and winning-value profile. As he moves into the veteran stage of his career, Jones remains a trusted interior anchor capable of stabilizing defensive fronts and contributing to playoff-caliber defenses.