Patrick Jones II accepts invitation to Senior Bowl

Pitt defensive end Patrick Jones II will play in the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl alongside longtime teammates Rashad Weaver and Damar Hamlin. It was revealed last Friday that Weaver and Hamlin would take part in the game, but Jones’ decision to play in the all-star event was first shared by Chase Goodbread of NFL.com on Wednesday afternoon.

Jones declared for the 2021 NFL draft last Friday, bringing an end to an illustrious career at Pitt. During his time in the Steel City, the 6’5”, 260-pound edge rusher was one of the top performers on an elite Pitt defensive line. He emerged as a standout in 2019, when he came up with 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for losses. In 2020, he led the team in sacks, with nine in 11 games, and had 13 tackles for losses. His sack total also ranked second in the nation.

Both ESPN and CBS Sports consider Jones an elite prospect with the potential to earn a first- or second-round selection. ESPN currently ranks Jones as the No. 47 overall prospect and the No. 5 edge rusher in the draft, while CBS Sports places him at No. 31 overall and No. 2 at his position. But there are dissenting opinions on Jones, and one comes from Pro Football Focus, which places him at No. 121 overall in the draft and No. 22 at his position.

The Senior Bowl is set to take place at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, on Jan. 30. The game will kick off at 2:30 ET and air on the NFL Network.