ESPN Boston considers second-year DT Chris Jones a sure-fire lock for the final 53-man roster.

Jones, claimed off waivers in September, started 11 games for New England as a rookie because of injuries. He finished with 54 tackles and six sacks, but graded out as Pro Football Focus' worst defensive tackle. Jones doesn't play the run well and ended up near the bottom of PFF's pass rush productivity rankings. Ideally, Jones would fill a backup role as an occasional penetrator.

The Patriots are high on second-year DT Chris Jones.

Jones, a sixth-round pick by the Texans last April, was claimed off waivers in September and thrust into a prominent role in New England due to injuries. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' worst defensive tackle among 69 qualifiers, receiving especially poor marks in run defense. The Patriots reportedly like his ability to push the pocket. Jones shouldn't play on early downs.

Patriots claimed DT Chris Jones off waivers from the Bucs.

Jones, a sixth-round pick by the Texans in April, spent nine days on the Bucs' roster before getting cut Tuesday. He'll likely be a weekly inactive.

Bucs claimed DT Chris Jones off waivers from the Texans.

Jones was a sixth-round pick out of Bowling Green in April. The Texans were hoping to stash him on the practice squad. The Bucs had just three defensive tackle on the roster before being awarded Jones. He's an athletic lineman.

Texans waived DT Chris Jones.

A lunchpail sixth-rounder out of Bowling Green, Jones is a prime practice squad candidate. He just came up short behind Earl Mitchell and Terrell McClain.