Texas Football: 3 OLs ready to boost NFL Draft stock under Kyle Flood

Christian Jones, OT

One of the definite projected starters for Flood and the Longhorns along the offensive line this fall is the redshirt junior offensive tackle, Christian Jones. We’re likely to see Jones lining up on the opposite tackle spot of redshirt senior Dere Kerstetter. Most of the snaps that Jones took last season came at right tackle, but he’s likely to switch over to the left side this fall.

Jones sounds like he’s one of the most improved offensive linemen in fall camp thus far. Flood and the rest of the personnel with the Longhorns that have talked on Jones have spoken highly of his play in practice. He also ended last fall on a high-note, which is something that he can use to carry momentum into this fall.

The 6-foot-6 and 315-pound Jones has the size and footwork to take his talents to the NFL in the next two years. But the production and consistent motor in the trenches has to start showing through, especially in holding up the pocket. Jones was a more consistent presence in run blocking, especially reaching multiple levels deep against opposing defenders, than he was in pass blocking last year.

Jones allowed a whopping 27 quarterback pressures last season, but only three of those came in the final three games. So many of those pressures came against the Oklahoma schools and Texas Tech Red Raiders (16). There are some clear areas he can clean up in preparation during the Big 12 slate this fall.

Play well in conference play and show a lot of the flashes that he did blocking down the stretch last fall, and Jones should be able to emerge as a dark horse NFL prospect in the next few months.