Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft just a couple of weeks away, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Purdue WR Charlie Jones.
Charlie Jones NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Purdue
- Year: Sixth-Year Senior
Jones was a two-star recruit out of Deerfield High School in Deerfield, Illinois. He didn’t receive any offers from Power Five programs, but he did field several FBS bids. Ultimately, Jones chose to play college football at Buffalo.
After redshirting his entire freshman season, Jones saw his first game action in 2018. He appeared in 12 games, catching 18 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns.
While Jones appreciated his time in Buffalo, he wanted a step up in competition. It was a bold move to transfer to Iowa in 2019, as it required him to sit out the entire season.
2020 was Jones’ fourth year in college. Yet, he had only played one season. In his first year at Iowa, Jones was primarily a special teamer. He was one of the best kick returners in the Big Ten but got in very little work at receiver, not catching a single pass all season.
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Due to redshirting his freshman season, Jones was eligible to return to Iowa for his fifth year in college. He was named first-team All-Big Ten and the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. Jones returned 37 punts for 285 yards and 25 kickoffs for 635 yards and one touchdown.
Since Jones sat out the entire 2019 season, he had another year of eligibility remaining. He opted to transfer schools once again, finishing out his final year at Purdue.
In 2022, Jones was finally able to truly break out at wide receiver. He set a school record with 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 scores.
Overall, across three programs, Jones finished his college career with 149 receptions for 2,079 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Charlie Jones
Strengths: Well-traveled receiver coming off a career season. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, has an initial burst of speed, and stays low exiting breaks. Uses his frame to shield away defenders, tracks the pass in the air, and possesses eye/hand coordination.
Gets vertical and correctly time receptions. Extends his hands and snatches the ball away from his frame. Fearless and exposes himself in a crowd to come away with the difficult catch. Possesses outstanding awareness and field vision and doesn’t give up on plays. Consistently finds ways to separate from defenders and make himself an available target. Possesses outstanding focus as well as concentration and works hard even if he’s not involved in the play.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t show great playing speed despite his 40 time and athleticism. Possesses a thin frame. Past injury history must be inspected.
Overall: Jones began his college career at Buffalo, then he moved to Iowa and had some success before turning heads with a great campaign at Purdue in 2022. He was the go-to receiver opponents could not stop in the Boilermakers’ offense.
Jones’ numbers last season included 110 receptions for 1,361 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He possesses all the physical and football abilities necessary to be a third receiver on the depth chart, but he must remain healthy.
Charlie Jones Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 5’11 1/4″
- Weight: 175 pounds
- Arm Size: 31 5/8″
- Hand Size: 9″
- Bench Press: 13
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.43
Purdue WR Charlie Jones Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Jones ranked 156th overall and is projected to go in the fifth round. With a 3.45 grade, he’s Pauline’s WR19 in the class.
The best wide receiver prospects are early declares. After that, we want four-year players that were highly productive. Jones checks neither box.
Jones not only spent six years at college, but he didn’t break out until his sixth season at his third school.
With that said, college production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Jones’ weakest level of competition was at Buffalo. His toughest was during his three seasons in the Big Ten. For a six-year player to have any hope after just one productive season, it needs to be really productive. Fortunately for Jones, it was.
MORE: When Is the 2023 NFL Draft?
Jones’ final season at Purdue was otherworldly dominant. He commanded a 27.4% target share and posted a 69.2% catch rate.
Special teams experience also goes a long way toward earning a spot on an NFL roster. Jones didn’t just play special teams — he excelled at it. Between his immensely productive final campaign and impressive special teams acumen, Jones is a lock to at least be a Day 3 pick.
While getting drafted is important, being a Day 3 pick is always a challenge. Jones should be able to make a roster as a special teamer, but he’s still fighting quite the uphill battle to make it as a receiver. It also doesn’t help that he will be 25 years old midway through his rookie season.
With good burst and agility, Jones profiles as an underneath-slot guy. On the right team, he could emerge as a useful asset.
