Summary

D.J. Jones was selected in Round 6 (#198 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). With the Rebels, he recorded 89 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, showcasing strength, leverage, and run-stopping ability rather than flashy production. In the NFL, Jones has established himself as a high-level interior run defender, playing key roles with the 49ers and later the Denver Broncos. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 100+ career games, totaling 300+ tackles, 25+ tackles for loss, and multiple sacks, while consistently anchoring defensive fronts. Jones earned Super Bowl LIV appearance honors with San Francisco and is widely respected for his professionalism, toughness, work ethic, and team-first mentality, often praised for doing the dirty work that enables others to make plays.

Strengths

• Fire Hydrant: Elite run defender with a strong anchor and his compact body type makes him difficult to move off the line of scrimmage.

• Mind the Gap: Naturally plays low and wins with technique and strength. Disciplined in his gap control and maintains assignment integrity.

• Clogger: Absorbs double teams effectively and executes responsibilities without freelancing.

• Consistency: Consistent physical presence that wears down blockers with reliable snap-to-snap performance.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Upside: Limited sack and pressure production but can be dangerous if he wins the initial leverage battle. Shorter frame limits disruption in passing lanes.

• Lateral Range: Not built to chase plays sideline-to-sideline. Wins with strength rather than burst.

• Third-Down Value: More early-down than sub-package oriented.

• Statistical Impact: Contributions don’t always show up on box scores, and run stuffing nose tackles do not grade well in the Depth Analytics scoring for DL.

Outlook

Jones is an ideal fit for Denver’s defensive identity, particularly in schemes that prioritize run defense, interior toughness, and gap discipline. He thrives as a nose tackle or 1-technique, where his ability to absorb blocks allows linebackers to flow freely and keeps the defense structurally sound. Jones’ presence is especially valuable against run-heavy offenses and in short-yardage situations. As his approaches the back nine of his career, Jones will continue to serve as a reliable veteran starter or high-end rotational interior defender. While his pass-rush ceiling is limited, his strength, discipline, and experience give him a high floor and sustained value. For Denver, Jones provides stability, leadership, and physicality in the middle of the defense—an essential piece for maintaining run defense consistency and defensive identity.