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Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Defensive line

By Freddie Boston

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after a defensive play against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after a defensive play against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) during the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Datone Jones

Datone Jones entered an important season in 2015 after failing to live up to his first round expectations during his first two campaigns. And while Jones didn’t breakout, he put together a solid season which showed improvement.

Jones earned a 75.4 grade from Pro Football Focus (starter), which was the best among the Packers’ edge defenders and 46th in the NFL. Jones was ranked as an edge defender as he spent more snaps at outside linebacker (163) than at defensive end (149), according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. His grade was higher than Julius Peppers’. Jones finished the season with 20 tackles, three sacks and three defended passes.

His best game was in the road win over Minnesota. Jones was disruptive in the backfield that afternoon, sacking Teddy Bridgewater twice in a day dominated by the Packers’ defense. Adrian Peterson was held to just 45 yards rushing.

Jones enters a contract year with the Packers. He’s proven himself to be a solid option whether along the defensive line or at linebacker. His skill set is limited, but Jones can contribute on the Packers’ defense moving forward.

Grade: C

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