Datone Jones to line up as 'elephant' for Packers in 2016

[Da-news-now]

Packers coach Mike McCarthy reveals the team's plan to move Datone Jones outside before next season.

The Green Bay Packers don't only plan to shift Clay Matthews outside before next season. At the NFL's annual owner meetings, head coach Mike McCarthy revealed the team's plan to play Datone Jones as an "elephant" edge rusher.

McCarthy has used the "elephant" tag to describe several other pass rushers, such as Julius Peppers, Mike Neal and Nick Perry. Jones' transition began in 2015, when he played most of his snaps at outside linebacker during the latter half of the season. The move gives the team another experienced options off the edge but effectively leaves just Mike Daniels, Letroy Guion, Mike Pennel and Josh Boyd along the interior.

By moving Jones outside, the Packers likely hope they can squeeze out more of the talent that convinced them to use the 26th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Jones doesn't have the type of bend normally associated with an edge rusher in Dom Capers' defense, but he does possess enough explosion and athleticism to succeed as a situational rusher.


In three seasons, Jones has amassed 52 total tackles, eight sacks and one interception. He has appeared in 44 out of 48 possible games during the regular season.

[BCOLOR=#FFC20E]Jason B. Hirschhorn is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and covers the NFL for Sports on Earth and SB Nation. He also serves as the senior writer and editor for Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog.
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[Mark87]

Hey the position we drafted him didn't work ... let's try fitting the square peg in the round hole again and see if that works. Insanity

 

[salmar80]

Hey the position we drafted him didn't work ... let's try fitting the square peg in the round hole again and see if that works. Insanity

Datone's forte was never holding up against the run inside. He's a pass rusher first and foremost. And Daniels dominates that penetrating DL spot for us in the nickel. So why not see if Datone can see meaningful snaps elsewhere or everywhere?

From my PFF analysis thingie:

DE Datone Jones +5.3, 27th/57 3-4DEs - Too hastily called a bust, Datone is starting to live up to his high draft status. Is another one who has clearly improved year after year. Was used as a elephant OLB late, and graded OK there. As a DE, he was a pass rushing force in limited snaps (430). Graded 22nd in pass rushing, and impressive 9th in PRP (pass rush productivity). Produced 3 sacks and 30 total pressures. Had by far his best season vs the run, grading 28th. Has earned himself more snaps.

 

[44blitz]

Datone's forte was never holding up against the run inside. He's a pass rusher first and foremost. And Daniels dominates that penetrating DL spot for us in the nickel. So why not see if Datone can see meaningful snaps elsewhere or everywhere?

From my PFF analysis thingie:

He's was a DE in a 4-3 under system.You just don't take a hand in the dirt 4-3 DE and make them an OLB or Phant player because it won't work 95 % of the time. This coming from a former DE. It's just not a very smart move.Sorry

 

[ChampionshipBelt]

I hear what you are saying Salmar but this fitting players that are a square peg into a round hole seems to happen way too much.

The question is: Is it TT and not wanting to admit he screwed up in the draft (Ego) or is MM and Capers trying to do whatever they can to make this defense formidable with TT's crappy picks and not wanting to go out and get FA's.

I think it is a combination of both.

 

[salmar80]

He's was a DE in a 4-3 under system.You just don't take a hand in the dirt 4-3 DE and make them an OLB or Phant player because it won't work 95 % of the time. This coming from a former DE. It's just not a very smart move.Sorry

I can admit I have no clue of the intricacies of how different it's really to play 4-3 DE, our nickel 4-2 OLB, our 4-2 3-tech, 3-4 OLB and Elephant. Of course depending on designed role and strong or weak side. All are somewhat pass rushing roles, as I see it.

Never really understood how Neal went from position to another constantly and somehow kept his head an body together. Or how Pep can rush inside.

Or why Datone isn't a fit for an Oliphaunt. Is he really a poor fit for it? Or can it be made work?

I'd be grateful if you educated me on this topic.

 

[57packer]

It seems they drafted a square peg for a square hole according to Mike Mayock.

"Because Green Bay plays a 3-4 defense, this kid is an ideal fit. I love this kid's upside. He fits the scheme. He's the only one I saw who beat Eric Fisher all week long in one-on-one." -- Mike Mayock

UCLA plays a 3-4 and Datone played DE in the 3-4 in college so it seemed a perfect fit for the Pack a the time. He was a bit on the lighter side, but I think most people figured he'd add 15-20 lbs and would be a solid fit for the scheme.

Seems that didn't work out, or at least not so perfectly, so now they are going to try and see what they can get out of him. I'm not seeing it but I guess they figure they might as well get something out of him. I suspect he will not see a 2nd contract on G.B. Despite playing 3-4 DE in college, he might be best off as a strong side DE in a 4-3.

 

[GBP4EVER]

Don't worry TT will give him a 1 year 5-6 million dollar deal next off-season.

 

[44blitz]

It seems they drafted a square peg for a square hole according to Mike Mayock.

"Because Green Bay plays a 3-4 defense, this kid is an ideal fit. I love this kid's upside. He fits the scheme. He's the only one I saw who beat Eric Fisher all week long in one-on-one." -- Mike Mayock

UCLA plays a 3-4 and Datone played DE in the 3-4 in college so it seemed a perfect fit for the Pack a the time. He was a bit on the lighter side, but I think most people figured he'd add 15-20 lbs and would be a solid fit for the scheme.

Seems that didn't work out, or at least not so perfectly, so now they are going to try and see what they can get out of him. I'm not seeing it but I guess they figure they might as well get something out of him. I suspect he will not see a 2nd contract on G.B. Despite playing 3-4 DE in college, he might be best off as a strong side DE in a 4-3.

And Eric Fisher turned out to not be much Mr Mayock LOL.... They switched defense at UCLA mid JR year 57 he was/is a 4-3 DE.

 

[44blitz]

I can admit I have no clue of the intricacies of how different it's really to play 4-3 DE, our nickel 4-2 OLB, our 4-2 3-tech, 3-4 OLB and Elephant. Of course depending on designed role and strong or weak side. All are somewhat pass rushing roles, as I see it.

Never really understood how Neal went from position to another constantly and somehow kept his head an body together. Or how Pep can rush inside.

Or why Datone isn't a fit for an Oliphaunt. Is he really a poor fit for it? Or can it be made work?

I'd be grateful if you educated me on this topic.

Not sure how to explain this but guys who put their hand in the dirt rarely can play "up" effectively.A guy like JJ Watt is the exception to that rule as he plays both. However JJ was a converted TE... athletic freak.

I liked to use leverage and power in my game where as a "phant" wants to use speed and deception,he has to be able to play the field side to side not just attack forward. Jones in my opinion and Perry both lack the motor and are not built to go side to side. Not sure how else to explain it. Crease and or Mark might be better at it than me.