Dre'Mont Jones is fighting to prove to scouts and NFL executives that he is not a second-round prospect, but a first.
The pre-draft process is unfamiliar territory for any NFL hopeful, with training shifting from traditional football style to more of a numbers-focused effort. But while Jones admitted as much Wednesday after Ohio State's Pro Day in Columbus, it turns out he's used to punching above his weight to exceed expectations.
Jones' two older brothers, Dionte and Darrin, made sure of that when spending time with Dre'Mont.
"It's a big age gap, so they're low-key father figures in a way," Jones said Wednesday. "So I definitely listen to them, I take heed to what they say. They've definitely molded me into the guy I am. My work ethic, from how I act, how I approach things, my demeanor when I'm playing football, my demeanor when I'm not playing football. They definitely molded me."
Dionte and Darrin sat on the sideline bleachers with the rest of Jones' family, watching their brother with pride as he ran through drills in front of dozens of NFL personnel inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Neither was bashful about how tough they were on young Dre'Mont -- partially because he was a big kid from an early age.
"He's always been the biggest guy," Darrin said.
"Big and aggressive," Dionte added. "We watched him a lot when he was young. Our parents worked nights, so we would watch him at night but he would be awake and aggressive at all times."
Check out the top defensive tackle prospects at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2018, file photo, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver (10) works to get around Rice offensive lineman Uzoma Osuji (77) during a NCAA college football game, in Houston. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Oliver as the No. 7 prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft class. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, File)
Ohio State defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones plays against Nebraska during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) pressures Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse upset Clemson 27-24. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Clemson's Christian Wilkins reacts after a roughing the passer penalty is called against him during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
North defensive end John Cominsky of Charleston (5) tries to get around South offensive tackle Dennis Daley of South Carolina (78) during the second half of the Senior Bowl college football game, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2018, file photo, Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs celebrates a defensive stop in the first half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson in New Orleans. Buggs has powered one of the nation's best pass rushers to help out No. 1 Alabama's young secondary. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Boston College defensive end Zach Allen (2) celebrates a defensive stop against North Carolina State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boston. In college football's year of the defensive lineman, Allen is not getting the publicity of Clemson's four potential first-round draft picks, the latest Bosa harassing quarterbacks at Ohio State or Houston's Ed Oliver. With an obsessive dedication to an early-to-bed-early-too-rise routine and strict diet of George Foreman Grill meals, Allen has put himself on the same level as all those former five-star prospects (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (99) plays against Florida State in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind.,Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2017 file photo, Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams celebrates after sacking LSU quarterback Myles Brennan during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Williams has been hot all season, really, but he was a monster in Alabama’s biggest game of the season so far against LSU. He had 10 tackles, seven solo stops, and 2½ sacks against the Tigers. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
Georgia Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall is brought down by Miami defensive linemen Gerald Willis III (9) and Jonathan Garvin, rear, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
That aggression led Dre'Mont into what was initially a handful of no-win situations: Play against your big brothers and get beat, in a big frustrating way.
"We're so much older than him, so we didn't dumb down our athletic ability to play with him," Darrin said.
"(Dre'Mont) grew up fast," Dionte continued. "We actually played him harder. He used to cry and be mad at us, playing Madden. No 21-0 rule."
The 21-0 rule is an unwritten common law of Madden in which the player who falls behind 21-0 before halftime is expected to concede defeat. But not for the Jones brothers.
"I used to beat him 100-0," Darrin said. "Then the very next year he started beating me. Now, I don't play him anymore."
Dre'Mont corroborated their story, which left a searing memory in his young mind.
"It definitely started back with video games when I was like five years old," he said. "I literally got beat 100-0. I remember that. I used to cry and get upset and throw fits, but now when I think about it, it's all part of my process to be the man I am today."
The man he is today is a 6-foot-3, 285-pound potential first-round pick with massive thighs, long arms and a powerful pair of hands. He's athletic, fluid and would seem to fit the mold Browns general manager John Dorsey is seeking in his defensive front.
Take a look at a selection of photos of new Browns wideout Odell Beckham Jr., including ones from his time with new teammate Jarvis Landry back when they both attended LSU.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) celebrates a touchdown catch during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and Cleveland Browns' Baker Mayfield (6) greet each other after a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Browns won 20-10. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cleveland Browns defensive back Damarious Randall (23) hugs New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) after an NFL preseason football game on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (NFL Photos via AP)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) hugs at the end an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham, left, and Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Christian Kirksey, right, meet on the field during practice before an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
OUT OF CAMERA FILE - New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham makes a one-handed catch during NFL football training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) exchange jerseys at the end an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2014, file photo New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Beckham grabbed The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year award for 2014. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham runs the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14), New York Giants wide receivers coach Adam Henry and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) following a preseason week 1 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on August 12, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2018, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. gestures prior to the team's NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in East Rutherford, N.J. Two people familiar with the blockbuster trade say the Cleveland Browns have agreed to acquire Beckham from the Giants. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012, file phot, LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) returns a punt 89-yards for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La. Beckham was selected in the first round, 12th overall, by the New York Giants in the NFL draft on Thursday, May 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) runs past Furman safety Adekunle AK Olusanya (28) during the second half of the NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct, 26, 2013. LSU won 48-16. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham (33) and Jarvis Landry(80) react to an LSU touchdown during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, in Atlanta. LSU won 42-10. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2013, file photo, LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) in front of Kent State cornerback Malcom Pannell (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La. Beckham and Landry combined for more than 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns receiving for LSU last season. Now the best of friends are about to join the NFL, where they'll likely have to find their way without each other. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 1, 2011, file photo, LSU wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (33) and Jarvis Landry (80) celebrate after Beckham scored a touchdown against Kentucky during an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La. Beckham and Landry combined for more than 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns receiving for LSU last season. Now the best of friends are about to join the NFL, where they'll likely have to find their way without each other. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Even if he's currently leaving it in the past in order to preserve his draft stock, Jones talked during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis about how he's been a lifelong Browns fan. He mentioned his weekend traditions revolved around watching Ohio State on Saturday and the Browns on Sunday with his father, Sanderline Williams, who has supported the team since he was 12.
If that tradition grew into Williams not watching the Browns with his son, but watching his son play for the Browns? Well...
"I'd cry," Williams said Wednesday.
Dionte and Darrin, lifelong, self-described "diehard" Browns fans, elaborated on Williams' sentiment.
"That's been our dream the entire time," Dionte said. "It was always the goal is to play for the Browns."
"We text about it every other week," Darrin added, "talking about the long guys that (Dorsey) needs."
In a draft that is incredibly deep along the defensive line, it was fair to project the Browns would use their first-round pick (No. 17) on a defensive tackle or end. Then, they traded that pick to New York in a blockbuster deal headlined by superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr, and signed veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
If Jones is a first-round pick, that won't be with the Browns -- unless Dorsey trades back into the first round.
Perhaps it will remain a dream. Or maybe it won't. After all, Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was in attendance in Columbus on Wednesday, and Browns assistants were the ones who put Jones through his workout drills. The assistants also spent a considerable amount of time making minor adjustments to Jones' technique beforehand, according to Jones.
And according to NFL.com's experts, Jones won't be selected in the first round. Bucky Brooks and Charles Davis released new mock drafts in the last five days, after the first (wild) wave of free agency, and Jones wasn't listed in any of those mocks. He wasn't in Daniel Jeremiah's most recent mock (March 6), either.
"He's one of the missing keys, too," Dionte said of his younger brother's fit with the Browns. "It's an amazing thing to know that he could be that one component that could take them over the top, especially on the defensive side of the ball."
As always, we won't know until the draft takes place. Dre'Mont's future aside, the two elder Jones brothers are excited about the Browns' future.
"I'm so happy," Dionte said. "We've been around forever, waiting."
The wait continues through late April.
