Ben Jones
C, Georgia · 2012 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #99 (HOU)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
C (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 172 of ~178 possible regular-season games from 2012 through 2022 (~97%). Last NFL season: 2022.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #101 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#99). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Georgia: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.35 40-yard dash at 303 lbs: faster than 18% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 172 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 10 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 58 |
| Last NFL season | 2022 |
The 2012 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2012 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 303 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.35 s |
| Bench press | 29 reps |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 105" |
| 3-cone | 7.95 s |
| Shuttle | 4.74 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.4" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #101 overall (#2 C) |
Picked around him 2012 redraft
| 96 | Chris Givens | redraft #105 |
| 97 | Lamar Miller | redraft #42 |
| 98 | Gino Gradkowski | redraft #111 |
| 100 | Travis Benjamin | redraft #67 |
| 101 | Omar Bolden | redraft #148 |
| 102 | Kirk Cousins | redraft #4 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.