Dre’Mont Jones is going pro. The Ohio State defensive lineman announced that he will forgo his final year of eligibility in order to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. 
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The redshirt junior has been on the NFL radar for some time now and could have turned pro last year. However, he decided to return to the Buckeyes for another year of seasoning, and he believes that was the right call.
“I think it was a great decision for me to come back,” said Jones, who tallied 40 tackles, nine sacks, and two defensive touchdowns in his All-Big Ten season. “I kind of proved myself.”
Unlike other top prospects, Jones says that he will play in his team’s bowl game. So, for now, his focus is on the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl against No. 9 ranked Washington. After that, he’ll set his sights on gearing up for workouts.
“My thing with injuries is that they’re a part of the game,” Jones said. “You have to just play with it. As much as you think about it the more it can affect you.”
Most draft prognosticators see Jones as a first round talent – ESPN.com’s Todd McShay has Jones as the No. 21 ranked player on his board while Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has him 19th. His pass rushing technique is said to need work, but he offers serious potential and his 6’3″, 286 pound frame looks to be NFL-ready.