Breakdown of UConn DB Byron Jones

[Dustin]

Grading him as a safety.

 

 

Size: 6'1" 200 lbs. Jones comes in at prototypical corner size. Height, weight, arm length, and hand size are all well above average. Solidly built frame.  (5/5)

 

Athleticism: Jones is the only player this year who's garnered a 10/10 in athleticism. People truly don't seem to grasp that not only was Jones one of the best athletes tested this year, he's one of the best athletes ever. Not only at the NFL level. He set the broad jump world record at the combine.That's insane! His entire web is ludicrous. That elite athleticism definitely translates on tape. He can run with anyone down the field, possesses elite lateral agility. (10/10)

 

Coverage and Fluidity: In the stat department, Byron Jones gave up the 2nd lowest passer rating into his coverage last season. He was targeted 26 times and gave up 12 catches for 123 yards. That's consistency and domination. Those numbers are very good. The tape matches up with those numbers. Jones is rarely targeted in coverage and doesn't really get beaten over the top. He sometimes struggles in off-man coverage and doesn't show a ton of coverage instincts. It's often him just trying to out-athlete everyone. He does look fluid though, when he's not using that upright style he's smooth in transition. Can lose balance and fall over. Maybe too athletic for his own good lol. Elite recovery speed. Loves to stay on top of receivers which can get him beat on comeback routes. Needs to learn to play (or just play more) trail-technique, if he did, that coupled with his athleticism could turn him into an elite corner. Mirrors well and sticks with the receiver on QB scrambles. Body control is average to below average. Can be prone to overrun plays. He shows a strong ability with his one-hand press, often using his strength to knock the receiver off of his route. Can be left on an island. (7/10)

 

Physicality and ITB Ability: Good at pressing at the line. Bump and run is solid. Hand-fights with receivers. Not a very physical player. Not afraid to tackle, but takes questionable angles to the ball and is generally an average tackler. Doesn't hit with authority. Has the tools to shed blocks, but needs a better understanding of leverage and hand usage to get loose. (6/10 [4/5 for press and 2/5 for ITB])

 

Technical Ability: Could definetly use some work. Jones isn't a polished player. Still needs work in off-man and zone coverage. He often let's the WR takes up too many yards before he reacts. Pprobably could develop a better feel for angles and tackling technique. Maybe even get that upright style fixed with a bit of coaching. He just needs some minor adjustments. Great backpedal. (6/10)

 

Consistency: There were a couple plays where Jones was bailed out by bad throws by the QB or drops by the WR, but he's a generally reliable player who never really gets beat. (4/5)

 

Ball Skills: Jones rarely goes for the INT or jumps routes, but he tracks the ball in the air well and can break on it with his dynamic speed. Looks to have soft hands. Conservative in coverage. (3/5)

 

GIFs: 

 

Pick-6 on a tipped pass: http://zippy.gfycat.com/ShrillGrossIvorybilledwoodpecker.webm

 

Stays on top of WR and gives up comeback: http://zippy.gfycat.com/LankyWhiteLaughingthrush.webm

 

Jams and takes WR out of play: http://fat.gfycat.com/ReasonableParallelFoal.webm

 

INT: http://zippy.gfycat.com/KeenAdoredHammerheadbird.webm

 

Conclusion: 

 

Grade: 41 out of 55. Which makes him a 1st-round pick. 

 

Jones' grade is based mostly off of his size and athletic ability, but he's still a very good good corner who'd likely still go in the 1st two rounds even if he wasn't as good an athlete. There's a false narrative that Jones is only being projected high because of his combine performance. That's not the case, in addition to his athleticism, Jones is a natural coverage player with versatility and a high football IQ. He like, many prospects, has some technical issues to work on, but if you can smooth out some of those rough edges, you'll get a potentially dominant DB. 

 

He also played safety at UConn and I think he'll flourish at either position in the pros. He can be a very good FS. 

 

NFL Comparison: Antonio Cromartie, NYJ

[wig]

I think there's a solid chance he goes 20th to the Eagles. If so, people will say it's far too early but I believe it wouldn't be a bad pick.

Definitely wouldn't be upset if Grigs snagged him.

[The Peytonator]

I want either him or Marcus Peters in the first. 

[NewColtsFan]

Grading him as a safety.

 

 

Size: 6'1" 200 lbs. Jones comes in at prototypical corner size. Height, weight, arm length, and hand size are all well above average. Solidly built frame.  (5/5)

 

Athleticism: Jones is the only player this year who's garnered a 10/10 in athleticism. People truly don't seem to grasp that not only was Jones one of the best athletes tested this year, he's one of the best athletes ever. Not only at the NFL level. He set the broad jump world record at the combine.That's insane! His entire web is ludicrous. That elite athleticism definitely translates on tape. He can run with anyone down the field, possesses elite lateral agility. (10/10)

 

Coverage and Fluidity: In the stat department, Byron Jones gave up the 2nd lowest passer rating into his coverage last season. He was targeted 26 times and gave up 12 catches for 123 yards. That's consistency and domination. Those numbers are very good. The tape matches up with those numbers. Jones is rarely targeted in coverage and doesn't really get beaten over the top. He sometimes struggles in off-man coverage and doesn't show a ton of coverage instincts. It's often him just trying to out-athlete everyone. He does look fluid though, when he's not using that upright style he's smooth in transition. Can lose balance and fall over. Maybe too athletic for his own good lol. Elite recovery speed. Loves to stay on top of receivers which can get him beat on comeback routes. Needs to learn to play (or just play more) trail-technique, if he did, that coupled with his athleticism could turn him into an elite corner. Mirrors well and sticks with the receiver on QB scrambles. Body control is average to below average. Can be prone to overrun plays. He shows a strong ability with his one-hand press, often using his strength to knock the receiver off of his route. Can be left on an island. (7/10)

 

Physicality and ITB Ability: Good at pressing at the line. Bump and run is solid. Hand-fights with receivers. Not a very physical player. Not afraid to tackle, but takes questionable angles to the ball and is generally an average tackler. Doesn't hit with authority. Has the tools to shed blocks, but needs a better understanding of leverage and hand usage to get loose. (6/10 [4/5 for press and 2/5 for ITB])

 

Technical Ability: Could definetly use some work. Jones isn't a polished player. Still needs work in off-man and zone coverage. He often let's the WR takes up too many yards before he reacts. Pprobably could develop a better feel for angles and tackling technique. Maybe even get that upright style fixed with a bit of coaching. He just needs some minor adjustments. Great backpedal. (6/10)

 

Consistency: There were a couple plays where Jones was bailed out by bad throws by the QB or drops by the WR, but he's a generally reliable player who never really gets beat. (4/5)

 

Ball Skills: Jones rarely goes for the INT or jumps routes, but he tracks the ball in the air well and can break on it with his dynamic speed. Looks to have soft hands. Conservative in coverage. (3/5)

 

GIFs: 

 

Pick-6 on a tipped pass: http://zippy.gfycat.com/ShrillGrossIvorybilledwoodpecker.webm

 

Stays on top of WR and gives up comeback: http://zippy.gfycat.com/LankyWhiteLaughingthrush.webm

 

Jams and takes WR out of play: http://fat.gfycat.com/ReasonableParallelFoal.webm

 

INT: http://zippy.gfycat.com/KeenAdoredHammerheadbird.webm

 

Conclusion: 

 

Grade: 41 out of 55. Which makes him a 1st-round pick. 

 

Jones' grade is based mostly off of his size and athletic ability, but he's still a very good good corner who'd likely still go in the 1st two rounds even if he wasn't as good an athlete. There's a false narrative that Jones is only being projected high because of his combine performance. That's not the case, in addition to his athleticism, Jones is a natural coverage player with versatility and a high football IQ. He like, many prospects, has some technical issues to work on, but if you can smooth out some of those rough edges, you'll get a potentially dominant DB. 

 

He also played safety at UConn and I think he'll flourish at either position in the pros. He can be a very good FS. 

 

NFL Comparison: Antonio Cromartie, NYJ

 

I love the kid and wonder how long it would take him to be a safety for us?    Or, do we want to keep him at the more important position where his premium athleticism can get maxed out at cornerback?

 

I'm glad you stressed his workouts.   It's hard to wrap your brain around just how freakishly great his athleticism really is.

 

That said,  here's the biggest argument against him I can find....

 

UConn's schedule:     Here it is:

 

BYU

Stoney Brook

Boise State

South Florida

Temple

Tuylane

East Carolina

Central Florida

Army

Cincinnati

Memphis

SMU

 

So, Jones has NOT faced top competition.   So, his tape, which is good,  is misleading because of who he was up against.....

 

Just a note of caution.    That said,  he's 32nd on my board, so I clearly like him....  

[Nobody]

fwiw apparently teams want him as a press CB not a safety

[Superman]

fwiw apparently teams want him as a press CB not a safety

 

That's where I'd want him. I'd keep him on the outside and let him use his speed and size to bother receivers, rather than using him in the box or trying to cover in the middle of the defense. If he's a safety, he's a deep safety, IMO.