Forum The Longship My surprise disappointment: DL Datone Jones

My surprise disappointment: DL Datone Jones

StickierBuns
Joined May 2013
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I thought this guy would flourish in Minnesota.....not the case. This dude has been invisible and disappointing. After a brief stint on the nose, the Vikings quickly figured out Jaleel Johnson is a 3-technique and he's flourished. Tom Johnson is very solid and the defensive line in general is stacked. No time for a weak link when you've got the talent in that unit like the Viking's have. 

Chris Tomasson‏ @christomasson  4m4 minutes ago

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Mike Zimmer said Datone Jones has been up and down
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#1 · Aug 24, 1:54 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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I feel the same way. If Jaleel can truly do well at 3T, all is well.

Not certain Tom Johnson is still solid. I could still see the team keeping Jones instead of Tom J: more upside and more dead cap $.

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#2 · Aug 24, 3:05 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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johnson is an exciting prospect

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#3 · Aug 24, 3:06 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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I don't think either Jones or T Johnson is going to make the cut.  I think Johnson is now in noticeable decline which started last season and Jones was just an experiment.  It did not work out and that's too bad, but I don't recall many DEs being moved to DT success stories.  He probably needs another 25 pounds and I doubt he could handle that kind of weight.  Oh well.

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#4 · Aug 24, 3:11 PM
DE
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@"Jor-El" said: I feel the same way. If Jaleel can truly do well at 3T, all is well.

Not certain Tom Johnson is still solid. I could still see the team keeping Jones instead of Tom J: more upside and more dead cap $.


I like Tom, but he is what he is, a nickle DT.  BRob will fill many of those snaps so, what is left?

As to Jones, I wonder if it bad habits?  Guy was a high pick wasn't he?

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#5 · Aug 24, 3:24 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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Major disappointment to date...young, talented guy, playing on a one year deal with one of the better DL coaches in the game...not good...

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#6 · Aug 24, 3:54 PM
DE
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Chris Tomasson‏ @christomasson  4m4 minutes ago
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Mike Zimmer said Datone Jones has been up and down
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I wonder if this is just Zim brushing off Tomasson?  Again. 
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#7 · Aug 24, 4:39 PM
DE
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Zimmer said he's struggling at the DT position. The Packers weren't sure where to play him. He's got 2 weeks to show something, per Zimmer. 

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#8 · Aug 24, 5:47 PM
DE
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He was worth the gamble imo...The upside promise was there. 

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#9 · Aug 24, 6:00 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
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Jones might be best as a 4-3 base DE: he's 6-4, 285. But we don't need that. It's still possible the Vikings keep him, because some OTAs and a month of TC might not tell the tale. If he's working hard and they think the potential is still there, I bet he beats Tom Johnson.

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#10 · Aug 24, 8:18 PM
DE
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Even if he doesn't make the cut, I don't think his career is over. Guy's clearly got some serious pass rush talent. Just not sure what position he should play. Maybe 4-3 DE, which is what most thought he would be coming out. 

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#11 · Aug 24, 8:19 PM
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Forum The Longship My surprise disappointment: DL Datone Jones

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