Syracuse DE Chandler Jones To Enter NFL Draft

Syracuse Orange defensive end Chandler Jones will attempt to join his brother, Baltimore Ravens DE Arthur Jones, in the NFL when he forgoes his senior season and enters the 2012 NFL Draft.

Jones made the announcement via Facebook and Twitter on Friday.

While Jones is coming off his worst statistical season of the three he spent in Orange, he still has the potential and ability to get drafted. According to SI.com's NFL Draft Analyst Tony Pauline, Jones received a third-round grade from the draft advisory committee, which is pretty solid for a guy with 39 tackles this season.

Chandler also spent a good chunk of the season on the sidelines with an injury. However, Jones' stats were solid when he was there. In seven games he posted 39 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and the best Syracuse interception of the year.

The Orange, who finished the season 5-7 overall, will now need to replace its best defensive player for the 2012 season.

"It goes without saying this is a crushing blow to the 2012 Syracuse defense. Jones would have been the anchor and almost certainly a team captain. Now the Orange are left to replace two veteran defensive ends as well as two solid safeties. It's going to be a scary spring."

For more reaction to Jones' departure, visit our Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.