NFL Draft 2015: Mike Zimmer Works With Byron Jones at UConn Pro Day (Video)

Byron Jones achieved “true athletic freak” status after posting insane numbers at the combine including a broad jump mark that unofficially beat the world record.

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Today at UConn pro day, Jones further validated that freak status by again putting up great numbers, including an unofficial 4.36 forty time.

I will leave it to others to determine what these numbers mean for Jones’ draft stock. All I know is that the kid is fast and people are in love with his athleticism.

Mike Zimmer wanted to get a first-hand look at Jones and his top-of-the-line athletic ability, so the coach headed to UConn pro day. And Zimmer got in some one-on-one time with Jones, putting the young man through his paces.

Warning: the sound of Zimmer’s voice may make your cat nervous.

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Now here’s the question: can the 6-1, 200-pound Jones play cornerback in the NFL?

Jones has his doubters, including one NFC North scout who was quoted on NFL.com:

"“High-character player with the vision and instincts you want from an NFL cornerback. I’m not sure I like him in man coverage but there is a place for him in our league. Really nice young man who you cheer for.”"

Jones’ scouting reports note his balance issues and also mention a certain lack of physicality. These issues seem to be the main reasons some people question his ability to play in the NFL as a man-to-man corner.

However, Jones’ combination of blazing speed and well-developed instincts may make him well-suited to playing free safety at the next level.

The Vikings looked at both Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore in free agency this year so it’s a fair assumption that they will target safety high in the draft.

A player like Alabama’s Landon Collins could be on their radar, but Collins doesn’t necessarily project as a free safety in the NFL.

A speedy free safety with the range and instincts to handle single-high duties could open up a lot of things in Mike Zimmer’s defense, including more blitzing opportunities for Harrison Smith and others.

Could Byron Jones be the pick early in the second round (or late in the first after a standard Rick Spielman trade-up?). He’s definitely a player to keep an eye on.

Next: Mays Likely to Take On Rover Role for Mike Zimmer

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