Skip to main content
Advertising

Around the League

Presented By

Datone Jones inspired by Packers great Reggie White

Reggie White's No. 92 is retired at Lambeau Field. That's the motivation for Green Bay Packers first-round pick Datone Jones.

[internal-link-placeholder-0]
NFL '13 DRAFT XTRA
Follow on your smartphone or tablet for exclusive content including live video from Radio City Music Hall.

"Just knowing him and watching a lot of film of him," Jones said Thursday, the Milwaukee JournalSentinel's Tyler Dunne reported. "All I know is Reggie White played one way, and that was a maniacal effort and just a complete hunger. No matter who he lined up against, he wanted to dominate. And that's the player I want to carry myself after."

The Packers have needed a pass-rushing defensive end since Cullen Jenkins left after the 2010 season. Jones compares himself to Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and fits the bigger, stronger mold (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) the Packers seek. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers likes his height and the fact that UCLA ran a similar scheme.

Jones said he can play end, nose and even stand up in the 3-4. He ran a 4.80 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and the goal is to be "the greatest football player of all time."

Added Jones: "This defense is a little bit built for me."

Defensive end Mike Neal was the Packers' second-round pick in 2010 but has struggled to stay healthy. The 2012 season was his best and he finished with 11 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks. Jerel Worthy was the second-round pick in 2012, but he blew out his knee in December and has a lengthy rehab process.

Jones will get the chance to back up his words immediately.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content