'Brett Jones joining New York Giants: sources'

like a good get by the Giants, especially since there is about to be a major housecleaning on the OL.

and save a couple mil on the cap.

saves 3MM on the cap.

In comment 12129986 JonC said:

Quote:

and save a couple mil on the cap.

Walton should be knocked off the roster regardless. He's pitiful.

This guy is a BBI legend in the making



"Start Brett Jones! He was the best player in a league!"

In comment 12129990 MookGiants said:

Quote:

In comment 12129986 JonC said: Quote: and save a couple mil on the cap. Walton should be knocked off the roster regardless. He's pitiful.

Agree. This should have nothing to do with Walton. He should be cut regardless..

DISAPPOINTING.

Schwartz
Jennings
Thurmond
Walton

Did any of these guys help make us better this past year? So, maybe free agency should be re-examined. By the way, paying Eli 20 million is too much. Paying one guy that huge percentage of the cap does not make sense to me.

From last season.
Link - ( New Window )

.

In comment 12129993 Spock said:

Quote:

DISAPPOINTING. Schwartz Jennings Thurmond Walton Did any of these guys help make us better this past year? So, maybe free agency should be re-examined. By the way, paying Eli 20 million is too much. Paying one guy that huge percentage of the cap does not make sense to me.

Well, two of them were injured for basically the whole season, 1 was injured for a good portion of the season and Walton just sucks.

Paul Schwartz retweeted
GiantsWFAN ‏@giantswfan 5m5 minutes ago
SLEEPER? CFL All-Star C Brett Jones, 2013 CFL RookOfYear, heads to #Giants . has also played 1 game at LG for Calgary

He should play C. If this Jones guy impresses, they should look at him at OG because Richburg did not play well at LG last year.

Seubert. Hope he plays like him

Ralph Vacchiano ‏@RVacchianoNYDN 28s28 seconds ago
Interesting. @SUNSports reports Canadian Football's best OL, center (or centre) Brett Jones, will sign w/Giants on Tuesday.

I love reading stuff like this- finding a diamond in the rough. I hope he is at least half as good in NFL as cfl.

Here are highlights. He seems to have great balance, great change of direction, great vision and some nastiness to boot. I understand they are highlights and they don't tell the whole story but if you want to play in the NFL then you better have highlights like this.

Here you go.
Link - ( New Window )

TSN play-by-play man Chris Cuthbert reported the 23-year-old from Weyburn, Sask. has decided to sign with the Giants.










Link - ( New Window )

Tom Rock ‏@TomRock_Newsday 2m2 minutes ago
CFL free agency begins tomorrow at noon. Who knew that would register with Giants fans?

Kimberly Jones ‏@KimJonesSports 44s44 seconds ago
From @SUNSports: NYG to sign Canadian football's top o-lineman, C Brett Jones, Tues. His CFL coach: John Hufnagel, Tom Coughlin's former OC.

In comment 12129995 theold5j said:

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From last season. Link - ( New Window )

Sure looks like a legit OL in that kneeling posture, a wide body, mashed up face; hopefully he's a road grader type of player the Giants haven't had in years and years

?

.

if so, it don't matter who we sign.

Gotta figure TC did his due diligence.

In comment 12130023 SHO'NUFF said:

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if so, it don't matter who we sign.

Wut.

In comment 12129989 YAJ2112 said:

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saves 3MM on the cap.

Why $3M? His salary is $2.25M so the cap saving should be the same since it's the last year of his deal.

pass....

Brett Jones stories someday.

In comment 12130031 Milton said:

Quote:

In comment 12129989 YAJ2112 said: Quote: saves 3MM on the cap. Why $3M? His salary is $2.25M so the cap saving should be the same since it's the last year of his deal.

He has potential roster bonuses of 750K in addition to his salary.

In comment 12130012 robbieballs2003 said:

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Here you go. Link - ( New Window )

The first thing they need to do is teach him how to spell "center".

In comment 12130036 YAJ2112 said:

Quote:

In comment 12130031 Milton said: Quote: In comment 12129989 YAJ2112 said: Quote: saves 3MM on the cap. Why $3M? His salary is $2.25M so the cap saving should be the same since it's the last year of his deal. He has potential roster bonuses of 750K in addition to his salary.

Thanks for the info.

He has not been held accountable for not developing any O-linemen.

But his initial punch actually put a few of those D lineman on their backs in the highlight video.

In comment 12130012 robbieballs2003 said:

Quote:

Here you go. Link - ( New Window )

Wow, are the CFL linemen that weak b/c he's destroying many of them.

Already an upgrade over Walton

take a hit
Link - ( New Window )

Can he move a Vince Wilfork type player around?

In comment 12129993 Spock said:

Quote:

DISAPPOINTING. Schwartz Jennings Thurmond Walton Did any of these guys help make us better this past year? So, maybe free agency should be re-examined. By the way, paying Eli 20 million is too much. Paying one guy that huge percentage of the cap does not make sense to me.

Disagree with Jennings who was the best offensive player till he got hurt. Walton is the only one I agree with, but most of us knew he was a long shot to be good after missing two years.

than long time backup Center Jim Cordle. You may not think that is much of a compliment but Cordle took up space for quite a long time.

Brent has good lateral movement and seems quick off the ball. Having a true backup Center with upside potential would be a refreshing change. Young, big, strong, and quick. What's not to like (unless some of that comes from PEDs. He was a medical student).

Art Stapleton ‏4 minutes ago
Giants expected to sign CFL OL @brettjones69, per @calgaryherald. Jones played C + LG. Intriguing signing 4 interior OL depth, perhaps more.

In comment 12130051 loafin said:

Quote:

Can he move a Vince Wilfork type player around?

Not many can.

Ralph Vacchiano ‏@RVacchianoNYDN 6m6 minutes ago
Report: Top Canadian O-lineman to jump from CFL's Stampeders to NFL's Giants ... http://nydn.us/1zrbavL
Ralph's blog - ( New Window )

does this lock Richburg into guard?

Looks like a possible steal. At 23, a full tread on the tire.

DT weights are all over the place. Many less than 300lbs and quite a few under 250lbs for DT?

In comment 12130059 Steve in South Jersey said:

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does this lock Richburg into guard?

I hope vice-versa. That is, if Jones can win a starting job, which is anything but assured. Richburg proved last year that he's an LG.

In comment 12130061 Giants2012 said:

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DT weights are all over the place. Many less than 300lbs and quite a few under 250lbs for DT?

Aaron Donald would have a place in the CFL. :)

.

Jones, 23, played 35 games at center for Calgary and one game at guard in his two professional seasons. According to one NFL talent evaluator, he has "no positional versatility" and is a bit of a mystery.

Jordan's blog - ( New Window )

Interesting signing and probably good depth but starting him for an entire season would be very risky. Probably better depth than guys like Jerry or Brewer, so a small upgrade. Hopefully he can play one of the guard spots because Richburg is really a C, not a G

In comment 12130085 sphinx said:

Quote:

Jones, 23, played 35 games at center for Calgary and one game at guard in his two professional seasons. According to one NFL talent evaluator, he has "no positional versatility" and is a bit of a mystery. Jordan's blog - ( New Window )

Well, that's not good

hopefully this is not the only move to fix the OL though.

Brett Jones to workout with the NFL's New York Giants (giants101.com)
submitted 1 month ago by Stach37

[�]StampedersRaptorsFromSpace 1 month ago
NOOOO! Anybody but the bloody Giants. This is not a good Christmas gift.

Will be Jones heading off the field after a failed 2nd down conversion expecting the punt team on 3rd down.

In comment 12130091 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12130085 sphinx said:Quote:Jones, 23, played 35 games at center for Calgary and one game at guard in his two professional seasons. According to one NFL talent evaluator, he has "no positional versatility" and is a bit of a mystery. Jordan's blog - ( New Window ) Well, that's not good

The better news is they had him in for a workout and are not just going by tape. And then there's Hufnagel.

CFL O-Lineman Of The Year to workout for Giants
cd0511 : 12/23/2014 10:00 am

Link - ( New Window )

But this guy looks great as an interior O lineman. His arms are long, he pops at the snap and he finishes his blocks. Looksblike He's quick enough to pull tho. Seubert is a good comparison.

Be a capable backup Center then thats fine by me. Anything more then that is just gravy

Are there any former offensive linemen from that league currently in the NFL? Not rhetorical, just asking. I know linebackers, DBs, wide receivers , RBs even QBs. Still he's got to be better than Walton. He won't save 3 million, correct, because they are going to pay him something. But finding a guy who might help this time of year is encouraging.

But I hope he's as successful in the NFL as he was in the CFL.

We've come to signing CFL players after Reese signed scrubs like Walton Jon Jerry and Charles Brown. How about we sign a stud O-linemen for once something this team has not done in 10 years with Kareem Mckenzie.

In comment 12130132 ODB13 said:

Quote:

We've come to signing CFL players after Reese signed scrubs like Walton Jon Jerry and Charles Brown. How about we sign a stud O-linemen for once something this team has not done in 10 years with Kareem Mckenzie.

True free agency doesn't even start until March 10th. What stud lineman would we be signing right now, that's currently available on the market and can be signed right this moment?

By the way, it's OBJ.

In comment 12129993 Spock said:

Quote:

DISAPPOINTING. Schwartz Jennings Thurmond Walton Did any of these guys help make us better this past year? So, maybe free agency should be re-examined. By the way, paying Eli 20 million is too much. Paying one guy that huge percentage of the cap does not make sense to me.

You're right, Jerry Reese should only sign guys this offseason that he KNOWS in his heart of hearts won't get injured this year. As you know, all GMs have this ability but often times choose to ignore it.

By the way, the salary cap is going up. Superstar/franchise players will continue to have a huge percentage of the cap, with the wild exception of players like Tom Brady. That's how the NFL has worked for quite some time now...

In comment 12130048 YANKEE28 said:

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take a hit Link - ( New Window )

That guy was Perd Hapleyesque

In comment 12130085 sphinx said:

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Jones, 23, played 35 games at center for Calgary and one game at guard in his two professional seasons. According to one NFL talent evaluator, he has "no positional versatility" and is a bit of a mystery. Jordan's blog - ( New Window )

So your job as talent evaluator has an area that you can just chalk up to mystery? What's the fucking mystery, work him out, attend a practice, watch tape, mystery solved. What an idiotic statement

Richburg will be our starting center, we invested a 2nd round pick on the guy. And, he looks like a player.

Best case scenario, Jones can make it as his back-up, maybe at guard too, and allow us to cut Walton and save $3 million on the cap.

We will need another starter on the OL. At OT if Pugh moves inside or at G if Pugh stays at RT. And, we need more depth. We need to keep Jerry if we can...

This means Walton is on his way out. Get bodies for camp and let the competition begin.

In comment 12130085 sphinx said:

Quote:

Jones, 23, played 35 games at center for Calgary and one game at guard in his two professional seasons. According to one NFL talent evaluator, he has "no positional versatility" and is a bit of a mystery. Jordan's blog - ( New Window )

Raanan - the clown who claims 50% of the Giants roster are free agents? Weird journalist

In comment 12130132 ODB13 said:

Quote:

We've come to signing CFL players after Reese signed scrubs like Walton Jon Jerry and Charles Brown. How about we sign a stud O-linemen for once something this team has not done in 10 years with Kareem Mckenzie.

So I guess Miami was scrapping the bottom of the barrel when they signed Cameron Wake?????

And not for nothing but we did sign one of the top lineman available last offseason. A very similar similar signing as K Mac when he was a FA. He just happened to get hurt.

and I've never seen him play..

:)

I had posted that we might find a tough slot receiver from up there. never expected an OL'er.

That's all well and good but the field is bigger too. More area to cover. He showed good range and blocked anyone and everyone in his path. I don't think being six foot two is a disadvantage. Suebert was only like six one and it enabled him to get underneath the defensive linemens pads.

to the NFL, but he has a good punch and blocks multiple guys and gets to the second level quickly. I didn't see him get pushed back, I did see him knock a few guys on their asses.

even a necessity to keep building out the bottom of the roster.

there are people there who have earned spots and those who are injured or have not panned out. hey, none of us could ever do it.

given the cap savings, but they do need to ensure they've got a backup who's capable behind Richburg. Perhaps one of Jones, Herman, or Mosley sticks on the interior depth.

Battle Gettis for backup Center spot

as another former CFL player, Hall of Fame qb Warren Moon. Adding of course a Super Bowl win or tw.

But this guy looked like a man amongst boys in the CFL. He was just plowing tackles downfield and pushing LB's around like they were featherweights. Definitely on board with this. He's got to be better than Walton.

...

In comment 12130217 Klaatu said:

Quote:

...

lol saskatchewan breeds tough guys much like wisconsim - cold, farming, potash mining types. hopefully he pans out

Jones sounds like equal to a 4th round pick out of a good college program. Give him 3 years to be a solid starting type player. Backup at center and learning guard in his first year.

Historically, very few college centers have been able to switch to starting guard and Jones does not appear to have any unique skill that will help him do that. Giants may get lucky or maybe they are just getting a backup lineman.

In comment 12130242 Ivan15 said:

Quote:

Jones sounds like equal to a 4th round pick out of a good college program. Give him 3 years to be a solid starting type player. Backup at center and learning guard in his first year. Historically, very few college centers have been able to switch to starting guard and Jones does not appear to have any unique skill that will help him do that. Giants may get lucky or maybe they are just getting a backup lineman.

Hey, replacing Dallas Reynolds (who occupied a spot on the 53-man roster all year in 2014!) with a guy who has some upside may not be worth getting excited over, but it's a step in the right direction.

He doesn't look like an exceptonal athlete but I'm not going to claim I have any ability to scout NFL OL prospects.

As all get out. He looks funny running, that will be fun during the pre-season games.

In comment 12129993 Spock said:

Quote:

DISAPPOINTING. Schwartz Jennings Thurmond Walton Did any of these guys help make us better this past year? So, maybe free agency should be re-examined. By the way, paying Eli 20 million is too much. Paying one guy that huge percentage of the cap does not make sense to me.

I guess in your world, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Robert Ayers weren't free-agent signings.

yawn to savior of the Giants ~ love it -- finally some Giants Football news!!!

Yeah BabY!

He was close to 6'4" - at least, before the injury, which might have shortened one of his legs a bit. He was also a former tight end. I agree that there's a resemblance, but the Hindu Theory only goes so far.

The bigger question with Jones is how the CFL compares to various levels of college football in the U.S. Would Brandon Mosley dominate in Canada? Eric Herman? James Brewer? If not, Jones could be an interesting prospect. Because he's so young, it's reasonable to view him as a bonus mid-round draft pick with some upside, rather than as a veteran free agent who needs to produce immediately.

"If not, Jones could be an interesting prospect. Because he's so young, it's reasonable to view him as a bonus mid-round draft pick with some upside..."

Exactly.

Richburg will be the center. The Giants already said they want Richburg at center.

If it's a vet min type deal then he's just a start. If it's a multi year deal worth real money then I think it tells us they expect big things.

it drops JD to back up, goodbye Reynolds.

Brett Jones stories now.

to think the very best lineman in Canada has a reasonable shot to be an average NFL lineman, and that would be good enough.

Since Leon McQuay.

Paul Schwartz ‏ m27 minutes ago Queens, NY
NFL teams can sign CFL free agents today at noon. But Brett Jones will not sigh a deal with the Giants today because ...

Paul Schwartz ‏ 26 minutes ago Queens, NY
... he arrives in town tonight and will take a physical exam tomorrow. So, nothing official with Giants and top CFL OL until Wednesday.

Jordan Raanan
on February 10, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 12130344 sphinx said:

Quote:

Jordan Raanan on February 10, 2015 at 10:10 AM Link - ( New Window )

4. Scouting report #1

Coming out of the University of Regina, where he played guard and center, Jones was considered a top CFL prospect. He did 27 reps on the bench press at the CFL Combine in 2013 and ran a 5.31 in the 40-yard dash.

Here's one breakdown prior to the '13 draft.

Scouts Take: "Not the tallest guy, but this kid has got every chance to be the same type of player as Matt Norman. He's got the frame, he moves really well, got natural knee bend, good feet, sits really well in his stance, punches well, he's aggressive. He's a centre or guard type, probably could play both."

"Physical, tough kid, typical Regina offensive lineman. Not the prettiest, but very physical, finishes plays, I think he can be a pretty good player."

In comment 12130344 sphinx said:

Quote:

Jordan Raanan on February 10, 2015 at 10:10 AM Link - ( New Window )

5. Scouting report #2

Jones caught the attention of NFL evaluators in recent years. Here's one take after his two seasons in the CFL:

Scout's Take: "Back of roster most likely. Undersized. Smart. Athletic. Center only. No positional versatility. Probably an excellent CFL player but fringe NFL. ... A bit of a mystery. Has done very well in CFL in his 2 years."

NFL scouts' takes are interesting...

gotta guess they're covering their backs a bit by being conservative in saying "good CFL player/marginal NFL player...", to do otherwise is to go out on a limb with no comparable competition by which to judge any of them and why was he missed coming out of Vagina University (lol)...

I'd say mystery is a better conclusion at this point in time than "fringe NFL player". How many guys who are good football players but who are "too short, too slow, one dimensional" are passed over or drop down to lower rounds come in and surprise.

Besides, the talent and depth levels on the Giants' OL are too bare not to take a shot at him, as arc points out when he parts the curtain lol

We got a bright guy who might have been a middle round draft pick if coming from a US school. If it bumps Dallas Reynolds off the roster, I'm all for it.

Can he longsnap?

He'll be tested by NYG to see if he has the requisite AA and movement skills for OG (can he pull, hit moving targets, engage defenders at the second and third levels of the defense, glue to them with hands, etc). AA, agility, ability to pull and hit moving targets will decide his position.

Jordan Raanan ‏@JordanRaanan 14m14 minutes ago
On positive side (granted it's highlight tape), Jones gets to 2nd level very well and does good job recognizing blitzers from all directions

Jordan Raanan ‏@JordanRaanan 18m18 minutes ago
Looks to me based on highlight tapes that Jones plays a little high. Will have to work on that or will get driven into backfield in NFL.

of Matt Norman-types on our OL this off-season and draft that would we would fine!

LOL!

Hope this guy pans out as a good depth signing for Richburg and possibly at OG.

Notice that the way a head coach treats assistants that leave or have to leave...matters in professional football.

Lets remember that the next time we don't understand the reasons for the PR dance that accompanies a change...like how Fewell situation was treated in public

heard of him or ever watched a CFL game, and so I can't speak to the level of play in that League. However, this kid went from being the league's Rookie of the Year, and the next year he was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year. That is an impressive resume from the get-go. The reports have also said that he has always been considered undersized, meaning that at center, his dominance must be due in large part to his intelligence. While his physicality remains to be seen, intelligence translates from one league to the next.

Seems like the Huffnagel connection is paying off for Coughlin, and there is no reason not to be optimistic about it. Very low risk.

reminds me of something Francessa said in a different context last week, when interviewing Cashman or Cone at some fundraising shindig. Talking about DeGrom, he said you know you've got something when a player exceeds last year's numbers at a lower level of play (AAA this year, AA last year; MLB this year, AAA last year). I'm not saying Jones is going to be like that, but sometimes a player has the intangibles and the physical equipment.

This is another way of saying BJ will be this year's Jonas Seawright. lol

He does not have dominating size, or blazing speed, or incredible strength. So if he is a top lineman in the CFL, he must hav succeeded because of the way he uses his physical abilities. In other words: football skills and natural talent.

I'm optimistic that this kid makes the roster with no trouble.

Wow, what a signing.

Dan Graziano ‏26 minutes ago
I don't think that's a rule. RT @nabby212: @DanGrazianoESPN if he was the best lineman in the CFL he has to be at least adequate right?

Straight from McGill to the NFL. Chiefs?

In comment 12130217 Klaatu said:

Quote:

...

lol...I see what you did there...can't believe nobody else got that joke.

:-)

This guy was knocking guys off their feet at first touch. He get's deep fast and can take on multiple players. He looks to be very alert with great vision. He looks like he can become very good at both pass protection and run blocking. I think this could be a jewel of a find.

quick scrappy guards who can move and play more than one position. He seems to fit that mold. Flaherty was most likely consulted and thinks he can fit in. Better than these bigger useless stiffs that never see the field because they cannot adjust or learn to use their size. Guy has worked hard to get here, no doubt. Desire means lot in the trenches. Richburg and Pugh are not that big for their positions either, but they play hard.

Art Stapleton ‏@art_stapleton 57s58 seconds ago
CFL star OL Brett Jones is with Giants today for his physical. If things go as planned, he should be signing with them as said previously.

Andy Reid swore by have overwhelmingly huge monsters on his offensive lines.

There's not only 1 proven way to have a good offensive line. Coughlin seems to like athletic technicians and grinders.

Other teams like physically dominant players that simply make the opponent a nonfactor.

Both methods work. Seems like finding the offensive lineman that has the complete package is harder and harder.

we did "ok" (sarcasm on) with a bit of patchwork combo, FA O'Hara (came with low fairly expectations but was just what the Dr. ordered), Seubert (came with low expectations), KMac (high expectations), Beatty, Diehl (low pick but a tenacious grinder), so patchwork and mix and match and find chemistry and cohesion and it can work. Maybe that humble assemblage allowed Reese to think it could all be managed with his low round projects, but he waited two years too long before beginning to address his epic fail.

At a minimum, Jones has a body of work where you see that he is a successful lineman. And Marty, at the very least it's a departure from R&R's failed MO. As noted by others, I think the "too small" tag, when we're talking about an inch or two or 10 - 15 lbs, is way overblown.

In addition to the intrigue whether/how quickly Jones can adapt to NFL play is the Richburg slot. Get Pugh inside, Schwartz--we still don't know what we have--and begin grooming Beatty's successor. It's a given Walton is gone or slides to backup.

Lady GaGa's cousin was gong to play for the Giants, the way this board is going gaga over him.....how many downs has he played in the NFL?

Jordan Raanan retweeted
Nick Powell ‏@nickpowellbkny 43m43 minutes ago
Ex-teammates and position coach of newest #Giants OL Brett Jones call him an �offensive coordinator� on the field:
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 12131863 sphinx said:

Quote:

Jordan Raanan retweeted Nick Powell ‏@nickpowellbkny 43m43 minutes ago Ex-teammates and position coach of newest #Giants OL Brett Jones call him an �offensive coordinator� on the field: Link - ( New Window )

From the linked article ...
Jones clearly has the intellectual capacity to stick at the pro level. In fact, one could argue that being a center in the CFL requires even more of a nimble mind than at the NFL, due to the constant pre-snap movement on both sides of the ball.

"The offenses, the motions, the receivers are constantly moving, which means the defense constantly moves as well," said Pat DelMonaco, Jones' offensive line coach with the Stampeders. "[Jones] has a good understanding of how the formation dictates 'force' players, and how to reset the points of protection, how to move the protection, and the run game. A lot of what's done by a quarterback in the NFL, because the play clock is so much longer, you don't have the waggled motion, you can actually stop your cadence, here you can't do that so your center has to have a good understanding of that." [...]

"When [Jones] came in his first year, he picked up the playbook and learned the whole playbook within a week, he's that kind of guy," Bergman said. "He was making calls that veteran centers in the CFL make three, four years in, he was making his first week in. [...]

"He gets leverage on almost every player he plays against with," Bergman said. "He's a little bit shorter, he's about 6-2, but his arms are deceivingly long, when I did drills with him, I did drills with him all year, and I'm 6-7 with almost a 7 foot wingspan and his arms are plenty long, comparable to mine and I'm four inches taller. He's got incredible power in his hips and he gets good hand placement on defensive linemen."

Link - ( New Window )

But actually he looks like Mitch Petrus type build.

the Dlinemen look smaller then NFL average and he looks a little slow off the ball. pass blocking looks good, who knows. CFL is an afterthought for a reason, hopefully he just fell through the cracks.....wouldnt put much stock into it though

But the difference between going up against a CFL DT who is lined up one yard off the ball and going up against an NFL DT who is lined up just inches from your facemask is monumental. It's the most challenging aspect of playing the position.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy about the signing. It's like having an extra 7th round pick, which is nothing to sneeze at (perennial Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen was drafted in the 7th round with a pick the Broncos got from the Giants in exchange for WR Arthur Marshall), but at the same time I wouldn't go projecting him as a starter.

Aware that the CFL plays under somewhat different rules ... where would you place the league's general talent level when compared to US college football ... between D1 and the NFL? ... D1 ... D2 ...etc?

to have some idea of what we have in Jones. But it is encouraging that he was able to dominate at the level he played.