NFL Draft 2012 results: Chandler Jones is New England Patriots first round pick

Many experts thought Syracuse University defensive end Chandler Jones wouldn't make it out of the first round and those who did were right.

That's because the brother of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones was selected by the New England Patriots with pick number 21 in the first round at tonight's (April 26, 2012) National Football League (NFL) Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York.

The Patriots, who made it all the way to Super Bowl 46 this past February before losing to the New York Giants in heartbreaking fashion, coveted Jones tremendously, so much so that the team traded up to the number 21 pick to ensure it would able to draft him before another squad ripped him off the board.

Jones, a member of America's most successful athletic family, according to the UFC, shot up draft boards in the months since last season ended. And while he was originally projected as a third round pick, Mike Mayock of NFL.com had him going as earlier as number 19 to the Chicago Bears.

When the Bears went with Boise State linebacker Shea McClellin, it paved the way for New England to get on the phone and make a quick deal to move up to nab Jones. And considering how successful that franchise has been over the last decade, it's a pretty damn good spot to land.

Expect to hear plenty more on Chandler Jones in the near future.

For complete live first round coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft click here.