Jonathan Ford DT Miami 

Player Bio
Ford grew up in Fort Lauderdale and signed with Miami as a three-star recruit in the 2017 class. He played in seven games as a reserve as a true freshman and earned more playing time in 2018, recording eight tackles, two for loss, in 10 games. Ford started all 13 games in 2019 with 18 stops, 3.5 for loss with three sacks, and a forced fumble. He started eight of 10 games played in both 2020 (19 tackles, 1.5 for loss) and 2021 (14 tackles) for the Hurricanes. -- by Chad Reuter

Overview
Nose tackle with broad frame and intriguing snap quickness, but an alarming lack of impact on the game relative to his traits. Ford gets into the neutral zone with good knock-back power, but he's more likely to generate penetration than to actually make a play. He hasn't shown that he can read and react at the point of attack, but could get an opportunity to prove himself in a camp. He flashed rush disruption in 2019 and might be better off playing at a lighter weight to give himself the best chance to succeed in that area.

Strengths
Three-year starter.
Wide, thick-boned frame.
Times up snap and comes out quickly.
Knock-back power to move line of scrimmage.
Penetrates into the backfield once he hits an edge.
Foot fakes set up opposite gap attack.
2019 tape flashes pass-rush potential at lighter weight.

Weaknesses
Poor overall production.
Additional weight has slowed lateral quickness.
Take-on technique gets him in trouble.
Charges upfield without reading play design.
Struggles to punch, separate and shed the block.
Struggled versus Appalachian State offensive line.
Ends up on the ground too much.
Unable to generate rush pressure over the last two years.

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Looking at his weaknesses makes me think he needs extra time to develop. The coaches will work with him but it takes time to learn to read the play and learn the proper techniques.

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Well, as long as he doesn't let a guy come from the inside on a FG attempt than anything on defense should be gravy.

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Packers DTs Jonathan Ford and TJ Slaton reportedly went to the same middle school.

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Indeed!

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3.53 RAS score. More proof that Gute doesn't put huge stock in RAS.

Samori Toure a 6.15 RAS

But Gute still always has loved athletic players. Just that Jonathan Ford and Toure aren't all that athletic according to Kent Lee Platte's RAS score. Gute and I agree that a lower RAS score doesn't mean you aren't athletic.

Always someone thinking the exception trumps the rule.

Do we have highlights of this kid?

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Gute hasn't nessarily been big on RAS scores for linemen and TEs. So I wouldn't expect Ford (an arguably over weight NT) to have a great RAS scores (or any NT for that matter, that's why they're a NT).

Also, I wouldn't be using last round guys, to show what a GM likes in an entire draft, as the later it gets the more exceptions you can have.

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The point is that Gute doesn't give a damn about RAS. According to Jon-Eric Sullivan, Gute has never even payed attention to a RAS. Yes, he likes fast and big players that are athletic. This was the 24th draft that Gute was involved in. He has liked fast and athletic players since before RAS even existed.

Gutey obviously loves RAS.

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