Cyrus Jones, A Versatile Playmaker for Winning Program
As the 2016 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots radar that we feel would be a great fit.
The Patriots are closing to the 2016 NFL Draft and still needing more depth at the cornerback position. Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, Justin Coleman, Darryl Roberts and recently signed E.J. Biggers.
Roberts, who we think will push for starting snaps this season and Coleman are still unproven and the feeling here is that the Patriots will probably add a veteran closer to training camp (Tarell Brown?), and look to the draft to add one or two more possible prospects for the 2016 roster.
We’ve been highlighting some names that could be on the Patriots radar. While we all know the top guys like Vernon Hargreaves or Eli Apple will be long gone by the time the Pats pick at #60, we’ll focus on some of the guys who still at least have a chance of being around by then.
Cyrus Jones from Alabama is a player that would seem to be very much a Patriots target in the draft. He’s a versatile, productive player from a prestigious, successful program that has improved each year. The fact that Jones plays for Nick Saban who is a Bill Belichick close friend is another added bonus.
Jones is a slightly undersized corner at 5’10, 197 pounds but has long arms and a good physical build. Jones switched from WR to CB in 2013 and has been steadily improving his game. He hasn’t reached his ceiling yet.
In his final season he registered two INTs, and seven passes defensed after returning from hip labrum surgery in January 2015. He’s a dynamic punt returner, taking four back for touchdowns last season.
He’s physical and feisty and always looking towards perceived slights to elevate his game. He’s very good as a press corner and is outstanding in run support. Good but not great speed with a 4.49 in the 40 but ran an impressive 6.71 in the 3-Cone Drill.
Pros:
– Excellent in press man coverage
– Is able to re-route WRs and mirror them downfield
– Excellent in run support
– Versatile, is a punt returner with 4 PR touchdowns in 2015
Cons
– Lack of height will make matchups with tall WRs difficult
– Sometimes loses track of the ball in zone coverage
– Can lose sight of the run game when matched up in press coverage
What his Role Will Be:
His role will be competing for the third or slot cornerback position initially. He can play the slot where his run support would be a plus and his lack of height on the outside wouldn’t be used against him
Will his Role Change from Year 1-2?
Yes, with some experience he could easily transition to a starting caliber cornerback.
How Many Downs Can He Play?
Three
What Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?
His roster slot would be in direct competition with Coleman, Roberts, Biggers and Melvin.
What is his ST Value?
Excellent, he’s a dynamic punt returner and would be given a shot to shine there immediately.
Conclusion:
Jones is a solid press corner who will be a good NFL player on defense. He has the confidence and physicality to overcome a lack of length and should be a nice fit for the Patriots defense.
The Patriots would probably put him in the slot at first but he has the potential to move on the outside. His run support and toughness will make him an instant favorite with both fans and his teammates.
His special teams’ prowess as a punt returner will bear immediate dividends for the team as he can take some of the pressure of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola in the return game. Coming from the Nick Saban, Alabama pipeline, his experience and leadership with a winning program is always something the Patriots covet.
He projects in the Patriots system to be a Potential Starter on Day 1. He should fit in very well into the NE defense. He’s projected to be available in Rounds 3-4 of the draft. If he’s there, then the team could have some interest in picking him up and his value is best served there.
Jones’s highlight film can be found here, courtesy of izallgood37:
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
