When I first got the list of prospects to do profiles on, Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones was listed as CBS Sports as their #75 overall prospect. That was just a couple months ago, yet now he finds himself in the conversation for possibly being a first round draft selection.
That jump in popularity didn’t happen by accident. Byron Jones had an amazing combine including one of the most insane broad jumps that I’ve ever seen in my life. A combination of speed, size, and athletic ability is the major appeal of him and that intensified after the combine. But it wasn’t only his athleticism that impressed people, it was his character and leadership as well, making him a player that very few concerns.
However, the only real flaws in his game are mechanical. He needs to play lower and work on his skills mirroring wide receivers, but he’s a low risk, high reward player that has had his value skyrocket lately. While he’s a minor project, teams should feel safe in selection Byron Jones in the late first to early second round.
Sep 19, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies cornerback Byron Jones (16) during the second half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Connecticut Huskies 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 199 pounds
- Arm Length: 32″
- Hand Size: 10″
- 40 Yard Dash: N/A
- Bench Press: N/A
- Vertical Jump: 44.5″
- Broad Jump: 147.0″
- 3 Cone Drill: 6.78 seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 3.94 seconds
- 60 Yard Shuttle: 10.98 seconds
Workout Measurables:
- 40 yard dash: 4.43 seconds
- Bench Press: 18 reps
Draft Projection
Byron Jones is currently their #21 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their their best cornerback available in the draft class. They project him to be a first round selection.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tennessee Titans
- CBSSports.com: N/A
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota will be looking for a starting caliber cornerback to play opposite Xavier Rhodes as well as add depth and competition at the position.
My Take
If Minnesota doesn’t land a cornerback with their first pick or end up trading into a late first round pick, I’d be very comfortable with Byron Jones being selected. However, I’m not sure he’d be a great value at #11 overall. If Minnesota does decide to use that pick on him, I’ll understand the decision though. Personally, I’m hoping he slides to the Vikings second round selection, but I don’t think that’ll happen.
Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015
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