Chandler Jones or Andre Branch at #27?

[State]

Don Banks's latest mock has us taking Chandler Jones, Syracuse DE, a riser, at #27 when Dont'a Hightower is still available. What do you guys think of that?

I'm still attached to Andre Branch, of Clemson, with his versatility being able to play both the 3-4 and 4-3, which presumably Jones also has if he bulks up to play end. 2012 NFL Mock Draft 6.0 has Stephon Gilmore cracking the top 10 - Don Banks - SI.com

They're currently training together with a few other NFL hopefuls in Florida. I'd love to be able to watch the two.

Chandler Jones, Syracuse, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
Andre Branch, Clemson, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

A late March McShay mock had us taking Jones, followed by Branch with the next pick by the Packers. Chandler Jones - ACC Blog - ESPN

I guess I just like the idea of having two Branches on the team.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

Chandler Jones 100%

 

[fxkane]

Our Lads (an excellent scouting site) has us taking Branch at 27. And Kendall Reyes or Zach Brown at 31.

 

[captain stone]

Chandler Jones 100%

Why?

I just don't get all this Chandler Jones love. I mean, what the hell has he done?
He's too frail for 3-4 DE, and too lanky for 3-4 OLB.
He's a 4-3 DE only, and unless Bill decides to convert to a Tampa/Indy/Minny front 7,
he's simply not a match here.

 

[BradyToAmendola]

Why?

I just don't get all this Chandler Jones love. I mean, what the hell has he done?
He's too frail for 3-4 DE, and too lanky for 3-4 OLB.
He's a 4-3 DE only, and unless Bill decides to convert to a Tampa/Indy/Minny front 7,
he's simply not a match here.

How is he too lanky for 3-4 OLB? He's 6'5'' 266 lbs according to NEPatriotsdraft.com. Willie Mcginest was 6'5'' 270.

I'd go Chandler Jones. I like Andre Branch but not at 27. If he falls to 48 though I'd take him.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Jones is a great big meh for me.

Branch translates well into this defense. Needs some strength and conditioning work, but he's the best fit for a NEP OLB I've seen in a while. With the right coaching, I think he's got Suggs-like upside.

 

[Gator Mike]

Why?

I just don't get all this Chandler Jones love. I mean, what the hell has he done?
He's too frail for 3-4 DE, and too lanky for 3-4 OLB.
He's a 4-3 DE only, and unless Bill decides to convert to a Tampa/Indy/Minny front 7,
he's simply not a match here.

Agreed.

And not only that, but he's not especially sudden or strong. Unless he adds a ton of muscle (...and then, would he be fluid enough to play LB or turn the corner???), then I don't see how he's gonna get to the QB at the NFL level.

And he's not especially productive in the Big East of all places. Branch had almost as many sacks this year (9.5) as Jones had the past three years (10.5).

 

[rookBoston]

How is he too lanky for 3-4 OLB? He's 6'5'' 266 lbs according to NEPatriotsdraft.com. Willie Mcginest was 6'5'' 270.

I'd go Chandler Jones. I like Andre Branch but not at 27. If he falls to 48 though I'd take him.

Chicken legs is the problem. Makes me think of Crable. I wish Jones was more beefy instead of all arms and legs. He looks odd in a three pt stance. His legs are so long, he cant really get low.

That said, Jason Taylor was lean and long, too. Made a good career out of it.

Regarding the OP, I wouldn't take either Jones or Branch. I prefer Nick Perry, Devin Still or Jerell Worthy. The fact that they are all available. and Shae McClellin, too, makes me think TRADE DOWN!

 

[Off The Grid]

 

[manxman2601]

Ronnell Lewis in the second please.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Like Grid and Manx said, neither. If I had to choose I'd probably take Branch's athleticism over Jones' incredible size.

 

[supafly]

Like Grid and Manx said, neither. If I had to choose I'd probably take Branch's athleticism over Jones' incredible size.

I agree that I wouldn't want either one, but I think that Jones' size may be better suited to what we need at the position in the 3-4.

I also think that Branch will go a lot lower than 27, possibly about 10 or so places lower.

There's the whole "BB has never taken a Clemson player" thing too

 

[VrabelJr]

Jones is a great big meh for me.

Branch translates well into this defense. Needs some strength and conditioning work, but he's the best fit for a NEP OLB I've seen in a while. With the right coaching, I think he's got Suggs-like upside.

Andre Branch is the complete opposite type of OLB from Terrell Suggs...

 

[SirApropos]

Andre Branch is the complete opposite type of OLB from Terrell Suggs...

Agreed. Branch will be one of the bigger busts in this draft.

I would also say take neither of these guys.

 

[SeymourTrophies]

If BB took either in the first round, I'd grab a pitchfork and torch. The only one I could see BB confusing with first round worth is Jones, but I only see him as a potential elephant. The elephant role might be dated with the way the league is going right now though.

Branch is underwhelming. I came to be impressed with Brandon Thompson when I watched Branch cutups.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I'm starting to get the feeling that Jones won't even make it to the Pats at 27. I've heard the Eagles really like him at 15, so he could go a lot higher than expected. I wouldn't at all be disappointed because I don't rate either of these guys very highly. I might consider Branch at 48, but I wouldn't touch him at 27 or 31.

 

[State]

Re: Chandler Jones or Andre Branch?

Now we know.

I still can't get over the 36" arms.

I truly hope we've finally replaced McGinest. But #55 was a beast in college and Jones really wasn't. So we'll see.

As these two guys, Branch and Jones, have similar bodies and have been working out together, it will be interesting to chart each other's career in the NFL. In my mind they'll be linked.

I would have preferred trading up for Hightower, but not Jones. But what do I know? Jones was definitely the hotter commodity. I was amazed that Mike Mayock had him so high in his top 100.

Branch will go early tonight, no doubt.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

LOL@this entire thread.


BB giving away a 3rd rounder to trade up for Chandler shows that he didn't even have him and Andre Branch rated remotely close.

 

[State]

It'll be interesting as a fan to compare the two players over the years, won't it?

Very similar players. Jones is taller. Belichick has a thing for the tall boys, doesn't he?

I'm not so sure Andre Branch doesn't hold his own against Chandler Jones, who looks awfully thin.

 

[PatsFanStnfrd]

Interesting, no one here sees similarity w/ Jason Pierre-Paul of the Giants. Admittedly, he is young and a bit of a projection. But he has the rare measurables, is coachable, and comes w/ football pedigree. Think 2013 for his real contributions.

The Eagles would have selected him but for Cox being available to them.

Can't fault BB for taking him -- even if it means taking a chance on him. As Mike Reiss and Peter King have independently pointed out, BB should have selected either Brook Reed or Jabal Sheard last year -- so better late than never. In combination w/ Hightower and Bequette, our front seven may be a force.