New England Patriots Report

Jones rises in 'Rookie Watch'

September, 12, 2012

9/12/12

3:50

PM ET

By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com

In news that might not go over well with coach Bill Belichick (link here), Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones is on the rise in this week's Scouts Inc. "Rookie Watch."

Jones, the Patriots' top draft choice (21st overall), has moved from No. 4 to No. 3 after his impressive performance in the season opener.

"Jones recorded his first NFL sack and five tackles in Tennessee against a very good left tackle, Michael Roos," Matt Williamson of ESPN's Scouts Inc writes. "This rookie is a defensive difference-maker who can take an excellent Patriots team and put it over the top. It won't be long before he is recognized among the best pass-rushers in the game -- and should benefit greatly from often playing with a lead."

Fellow rookie Dont'a Hightower is mentioned in the "other notables" category.

To read the "Rookie Watch" (Insider content), CLICK HERE.

Mike Reiss

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com

Covered Patriots since 1997
Blogging on Pats since 2004
Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009

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Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

Mike Rodak

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attended Providence College. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).