Editor's note: This is the final article in a three-part series detailing the path of former Sun Devil Levi Jones from Tempe to the NFL.
When the Cincinnati Bengals selected Levi Jones with the 10th overall pick Saturday in the NFL draft, the announcement shocked quite a few football-savvy observers.
It also shocked Jones.
The former ASU left tackle was optimistic the Bengals would select him after their staff had talked to him the previous week, but even he was stunned when going in the top 10.
"I thought they were going to trade down to try to get me, but there were too many teams right behind them that needed a left tackle, so they didn't want to gamble with it," Jones said.
Many draft experts thought Jones would go late in the first round, with the justification being that the Bengals could always trade down for Jones, while increasing their overall number of picks by giving up the 10th slot. But Bengals coach Dick LeBeau said the risks outweighed the rewards.
"We considered (a trade), but there really wasn't the match," LeBeau said. "We thought we had to go too far (down) and didn't think we were going to get what we would call an equal deal because these kind of people were going to be gone. It just didn't work out."
So instead, Jones will now play for an organization in search of an eventual replacement for offensive lineman Richmond Webb. Cincinnati's front line, which also includes John Jackson, is signed for the upcoming season and will more than likely not change, but LeBeau said Jones is going to find a home.
"He's got athleticism," LeBeau said. "He could play anywhere. You wouldn't put him at center, but he could play any place on the line, and that was a consideration in our draft."
As is typical in the NFL draft, Jones was kept in the dark concerning who would be his suitor. When the phone call finally came, it took a while for reality to sink in.
"Right before the pick, the offensive line coach gave me a call," Jones said. "He said, 'Congratulations, you're a Bengal.' I didn't think it would actually happen, but I'm thankful."
As for his family members, most of whom were watching with him Saturday as the draft unfolded in his hometown of Eloy, the newest Bengal said they couldn't be happier.
"They love it," Jones said. "They're out here all excited. They're going to be partying until the sun comes up."
Jones flew to Cincinnati on Sunday to meet with the Bengals' coaching staff. He will continue talking with them today before flying back to Arizona. But the former walk on isn't too worried about the meetings producing any major changes.
"When they draft a player this high, they kind of expect him to come in and be an impact player," Jones said. "I still have to go down there and earn my keep, but they are expecting me to play."
When asked about the criticism by others over the Bengals using their first pick to draft Jones, offensive line coach Paul Alexander said all anyone has to do is look to the past.
"I don't like to make comparisons, but (Bengals owner Mike) Brown pointed out the last tackles taken were Vern Holland, Anthony Munoz and Willie (Anderson)," Alexander said. "We haven't missed on one yet."
Reach the reporter at al.stevens@asu.edu.
