Byron Jones CB Connecticut #16
Wt: 199
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Size/Athleticism: Elite measurables and has the workout numbers to go with the size. Strength, quickness and pure speed are all assets and borderline elite
Coverage: Excels in press coverage and seems to thrive on the physical battle. Extremely confident on his ability to jam receivers and knock them off their route early in the process. Has enough speed to run with most receivers. A little bit less comfortable in zone coverage and is sometimes late to close on the underneath routes.
Ball skills: Does a great job turning to play the ball. Trusts his ability to read the quarterback and is not afraid to turn his head early to find the ball. Natural hands for the interception (8 career interceptions).
Run support: Willing to step up and will mix it up at the line of scrimmage. Has the strength to wrap up ball carriers.
Intangibles: Praised by coaching staff for work ethic and leadership. Team captain. Nicknamed “Senator Jones” by teammates.
Durability: Shoulder surgery in October, 2014 ended his senior year. Shoulder was injured during summer and then re-injured during the season.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: In terms of physical talent, Jones is everything you could possibly want in cornerback. He excels in press coverage but not just because of his strength—he’s able to be aggressive because he also possesses the speed to recover when a receiver gains a step on him. I love the way he consistently turns to play the ball and rarely gets caught purely chasing the receiver down the field. Some injury concerns linger as he returns from shoulder surgery and he wasn’t tested often against elite competition, so there are some questions. But he is close to an elite prospect at the position.
