A look at cornerback Derrick Jones

Here’s a look at cornerback Derrick Jones out of the University of Mississippi who could surprise many if he’s able to prove his skills with the New York Jets.

Have the New York Jets found another steal in the 2017 NFL Draft by selecting Derrick Jones out of Old Mississippi University? For the past few seasons, the Jets haven’t had a very reliable cornerback besides future Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis who is no longer on the team.

Jones is a lengthy cornerback, coming in at 6’2″ and weighing in at 188lbs. While in college he played both defense and special teams. He has the explosive speed to get down the field and make smart decisions before the play develops. Jones was a shutdown cornerback while playing in the SEC conference.

The Jets made a great selection here since he was one of the most improved cornerbacks in the SEC conference. Each year, his productivity grew to help define who he was. If the Jets are patient with his development, Jones could very well turn into the real deal through coaching and training.

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At Old Miss, Jones totaled 54 tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defended. The Jets defense uses multiple coverage schemes which Jones is used to so it fits his play style well.

With his length and speed, he is not afraid of going up against big name receivers. That type of trait is something the Jets will love to have in a defensive secondary that is searching for a new identity this upcoming season.

Jones has the best potential in developing to be an efficient player. It is difficult to determine what the Jets plan to do with Jones in 2017 but expect to see him do well on special teams. It’s easy to see him perhaps in the middle or late in the season be a situational cornerback used on key 3rd down conversions. More than likely, however, he will play more of a special teams role in his first season with the Jets.