2021 NFL Draft: The Patrick Jones II hype train is gaining steam

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jason Pinnock #15 celebrates with Jaylen Twyman #55 and Patrick Jones II #91 of the Pittsburgh Panthers after his touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Heinz Field on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jason Pinnock #15 celebrates with Jaylen Twyman #55 and Patrick Jones II #91 of the Pittsburgh Panthers after his touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Heinz Field on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Patrick Jones II. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
2021 NFL Draft prospect Patrick Jones II. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Patrick Jones II is building hype as he looks to bolster his 2021 NFL Draft stock

Pass rushers will always be a highly sought after position in the draft, and it will be no different in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lately, there’s been another name picking up steam that deserves to be added to the mix in Pittsburgh edge rusher Patrick Jones II.

This group has some exceptional talent but has shown anything but a consensus ranking of the top guys. Many believe Miami Edge rusher Gregory Rousseau is the top pass rusher in the class. He shows an extraordinary blend of size and speed that just can’t be taught.

After Rousseau, it seems to be a toss-up between edge rushers; Carlos Basham Wake Forest, Quincy Roche Miami, Aidan Hutchinson Michigan, Chris Rumph II Duke. All of these guys have shown great traits and production to be difference makers at the next level.

Pittsburgh has produced some special NFL talent recently as an up and coming team in the ACC. In 2017, running back James Conner was drafted by the Steelers and has proven to be a starting back in the NFL. More notably, in 2014, the St. Louis Rams drafted an undersized defensive tackle named Aaron Donald.