2017 NFL Draft Profile: Cornerback Sidney Jones

Cornerback Sidney Jones is one of several players from this year’s Washington Huskies team that will be NFL players.  Four of them will be in the 2017 NFL Draft.

As a freshman, cornerback Sidney Jones started in almost all of the games (12 out of 13).  In his sophomore season, he was named to the Pac-12 All-Conference team, and he repeated the feat in his junior season. Jones will be on the top of many 2017 NFL Draft boards by general managers looking for a real playmaker.

He was a ball-hawk in his career with the Huskies, with eight interceptions and one returned for a touchdown.  He also added 8.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.

STRENGTHS

When it comes to overall corner skills, Jones is top-notch.  He has a strong jam at the line and will make strong contact with the receiver.  Jones will keep the contact within the first five yards.

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He keeps his eyes on the quarterback when necessary and also makes sure to get his eyes back to his man.  He anticipates well and can undercut a receiver’s route.  In addition, he’s quick enough to recover.

WEAKNESSES

He’s 6’1, 170 lbs.  This gives him a skinny frame, which will be a problem in the NFL.  Jones was overmatched, in terms of physicality, by wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster of the University of Southern California.

He lacks patience in press coverage, and scouts wonder if he can maintain his speed downfield.  Footwork and positioning are issues.  If he’s matched up against a physical receiver in the run game, he can be taken out of the play.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Quarterbacks won’t want to look his way because he has great football skills and instincts.  His slender frame could be an issue because he will have to add muscle without losing speed.  He has the character and skills to be a starter for years to come, and he has Pro Bowl potential.  He definitely will go in the first round.