Following a difficult beginning to his collegiate career, Christian Jones has been selected by the NFL.
It goes without saying that under Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns football program is in a better place than it was under the previous administrations.
But offensive tackle Christian Jones’s progress has to be the clearest indication of how much the program has altered. Under Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood, Jones evolved from a respectable college offensive lineman to a serious pro prospect in a matter of only a few seasons.
Jones’ NFL Draft hopes were finally realized on Friday when the Arizona Cardinals selected him with the No. 162 overall choice in the fifth round.
The Cardinals selected Jones, a very skilled offensive tackle with 48 career starts. Bleacher Report provided a scouting report that enhanced Jones’ repertoire of abilities.
“Christian Jones is a four-year starter who has made 48 career starts, mostly at right tackle. In 2023, he made 13 starts at right tackle in the Longhorns’ multiple-run, balanced system that is based on the zone, counter, and pin-pull principles. The Longhorns’ run-pass split is 52-48. Jones is built with a strong, thick, and evenly distributed build, a high cut frame, long arms, below-average athletic abilities, and decent play strength.”
His leadership and perseverance on the right side will be missed, since he is the only offensive line player leaving after the 2023 campaign.
Now, he will be a part of an emerging offense in Arizona under the direction of standout quarterback Kyler Murray, which on Thursday night also welcomed elite wide out and No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.
