Jonathan Jones, CB, Auburn: Early Scouting Report
By Jonah Tuls
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) celebrates a tackle during the second quarter against the LSU Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
The cornerback position in the NFL today has become one of the most valuable assets to an organization due to the rise in popularity of the passing game. This is the primary reason why we see more and more cornerbacks get drafted higher in the NFL Draft. With that being said, the 2016 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at the cornerback position. One of my favorites in the entire class is this guy, Jonathan Jones.
Background
Entering his senior season at age 21. Ranked ninth in the nation with six interceptions in the 2014 season with that being the fifth most in Auburn history. Second Team All-SEC who tied Senquez Golson for the league lead with 17 passes defended. Missed the previous year due to an ankle injury.
Pros
+ Field awareness is off the charts when playing in off-man coverage. Reads the QB eyes extremely well and does not get fooled by double moves from the wide receiver. What is even more impressive is how quickly he reacts to make the play whether that be at the LOS or in the open field. Extremely disciplined in this aspect of the game.
+ Despite his lackluster size and relatively thin frame for the cornerback position, he muscles up with the bigger receivers at both the LOS in Press as well as the 50/50 balls in the red zone. He has quick, strong hands at the LOS as he plays patiently with a fluid backpedal in Press. Doesn’t back down from a challenge and shows the competitive toughness/swagger to become a nuisance for the opposing receiver.
+ He shows the ability to shadow the receiver down the field and is there at his hip pocket when he makes a move so he can be in the best position possible. Fluid hips and change of direction skills gives him an advantage when mirroring in man coverage as well. Just a natural athlete with excellent recovery speed and lateral agility.
+ The ability to locate and high point the ball in the air just comes natural to him. Has soft hands when the ball enters his catching radius for the interception.
Cons
– Has lackluster size for the cornerback position as he is only 5’10”, 185 pounds.
– Definitely struggles to get off blocks on screen plays or outside runs as he seems to stay frozen when the receiver pushes him back in his stalk block. Needs to take on blocks better in 2015 or he will get abused in this aspect of his evaluation come next spring.
– Despite his willingness to stick his nose in run support, he fails to wrap up cleanly in the open field due to him lunging instead of breaking down. Wants to make the big hit every time and will miss as a result of his over-aggressiveness.
– Speaking of over-aggressive, he will get carried away in man coverage at times and will get a bit too physical in the open field resulting in an illegal contact, pass interference, or holding penalty. Has the athleticism needed to stay with the receiver and showed that numerous times, but he needs to trust his feet more instead of using his hands and getting the penalty.
NFL Comparison
Jason Verrett, CB, San Diego Chargers
* Has the alpha dog in him to become a shutdown corner even at his size because of his elite ability to shadow a receiver in both off-man and press coverage as well as his ability to muscle up with the bigger receivers and make a play on the ball with his excellent ball skills. Like Verrett coming out of college, he plays bigger than his size but was very inconsistent in the open field as a tackler, but the difference is that Verrett improved that drastically when he made the jump to the NFL. If Jones does not show the ability to improve in run support, it will be hard for him to garner significant playing time at the next level.
Projection for ’15/’16
* Will become one of the most highly touted cornerbacks in the NFL Draft resulting in a first round pick in 2016 due to another big-time season in the SEC with 1st-Team honors in the conference and as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award with at least five interceptions.
Game Film
Thanks to our friends at Draft Breakdown for the hook up for these awesome videos!