MLB draft grades: Arizona Diamondbacks lauded for Druw Jones selection

The Arizona Diamondbacks picked Druw Jones with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft on Sunday.

MLB writers really liked the selection.

They lauded Arizona's pick of Jones, the son of former MLB player Andruw Jones, in early MLB draft grades.

Check out what they are saying about Jones, a Georgia high school outfielder.

More: Diamondbacks select Druw Jones, son of former Braves All Star Andruw Jones, with No. 2 pick

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks get an A for Druw Jones selection

R.J. Anderson and Mike Axisa write: "Jones came into the summer ranked by CBS Sports as the No. 1 prospect in the class. He was the preferred choice of the industry sources who spoke to CBS Sports, too. The Diamondbacks, then, have to be pleased to land him at No. 2. A fully actualized Jones could feature five plus or better tools, including a good glove in center field."

Bleacher Report: Diamondbacks receive an A+ for Druw Jones pick

Joel Reuter writes: "Druw Jones does everything well with ample projection left in numerous facets of his game, most notably his power potential with room to grow into his 6'4", 180-pound frame. While he's far from a finished product offensively, there's a lot to like, and he makes hard contact. Aside from his bat, he has 70-grade speed and an elite glove in center field where his bloodlines are perhaps most evident as the son of 10-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones. He has some things to smooth out with his swing, and his power ceiling is still in question, but all signs point to a future as an All-Star center fielder."

Sporting News: Diamondbacks land an A for Druw Jones choice

Edward Sutelan writes: "Some expected Jones to go first overall. Most prospect lists had him as the top pick in the class. While his hit tool isn't as refined as Holliday's, the rest of the package in center field is more explosive. He has plenty of raw power and his speed is among the best in the high-school class. His defense is already nearly MLB-ready, and his tools often receive future Gold Glove grades. A true five-tool talent for the Diamondbacks."

Fansided: Diamondbacks get an A+ for drafting Druw Jones

Mark Powell writes: "Jones is ranked the top player in this draft class by several databases, and for good reason. The son of Andruw Jones was the easy choice in terms of best player available, and the Diamondbacks went that route. Jones had the highest ceiling of any player available at this point."

Odds Checker: Diamondbacks receive an A for Druw Jones selection

Jason Radowitz writes: "Arizona knew they would be getting either Jones or Holliday. They were going to get a top player regardless and got ultimately the most skilled player in the MLB Draft."

CBS Sports: "Legitimate All-Star potential" for Druw Jones

It writes: " Jones, whose father Andruw is a borderline Hall of Famer, was in the running for the top spot entering the spring. He's since emerged as the industry's preferred choice. It's not hard to understand why. He's a good to great defender at a premium position who could finish his development arc with five plus or better tools, including both components of his bat. Indeed, he has the kind of projectable frame and handspeed that should allow him to add muscle and power as he matures. Jones might end up losing a little speed as a result, but he's believed to have the instincts and innate feel for the position that should enable his game to remain lush with secondary value. There's legitimate All-Star potential here."

More: Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm among former Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022 MLB All-Star Game

More MLB draft grades for Arizona Diamondbacks:

Bleacher Report: Diamondbacks get an A for Landon Sims selection (No. 34 overall, Competitive Balance Round A)

Joel Reuter writes: "Landon Sims was one of the best relievers in the country in 2021, nailing down 13 saves while going 5-0 with a 1.44 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 56.1 innings. He moved into the starting rotation this spring and lasted three starts before blowing out his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. His upper 90s fastball and wipeout slider would play at the back of an MLB bullpen right now, but with a strong 6'2", 227-pound frame and clean mechanics, he has starter potential if he can refine his changeup and avoid further arm issues."

Bleacher Report: Cardinals land a B+ for Ivan Melendez pick (No. 43 overall, Second round)

Joel Reuter writes: "The 2022 Golden Spikes winner, Ivan Melendez annihilated collegiate pitching to the tune of a .387/.508/.863 line with a Division I-leading 32 home runs and 94 RBI in 67 games this spring while tallying more walks (52) than strikeouts (51). However, his profile as a right-handed-hitting, first-base-only prospect is among the riskiest of any draft candidate, and the fact that he is already 22 years old also works against him. He could be the next Pete Alonso or another in a long line of college sluggers with a similar profile who failed to make the leap to pro ball."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Diamondbacks' Druw Jones selection lauded in MLB draft grades