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Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Rodney Stokes Jr

Nov 21, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt for a touchdown against Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt for a touchdown against Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Transitioning from the offensive side of the ball to the defense can be a challenge for some players. The mindset changes from breaking the defense in half to holding the defense together. Cyrus Jones originated as a wide receiver at Alabama, where he found minimal action in his first year on campus.

After putting up only four catches for 51 yards, Jones made the decision to make his home on the other side of the football. The move not only had Jones on the field but also allowed him to become a second team All-SEC selection in 2014.

A torn hip labrum caused concern for his 2015 season but he was able to recover and came away with his best year with 37 tackles, two interceptions and 7 passes defended.

A dropped domestic violence charge may cause Jones’ interviews to be of more value than his combine but showing good speed and lateral quickness are essential for the former All-SEC player.

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Position: DB

Height: 5’9

Weight: 196 pounds

2015 Season Stats: 37 tackles, two int, 7 passes defended 

Strengths

Let’s put the defense to the side for just a moment. Cyrus Jones is a phenomenal punt returner. His electric abilities in the open field may be the reason he is drafted above his defensive value. As a punt returner, Jones averaged 12.6 yards per return and cashed in on four of his 42 attempts this year. Given that he may not be a day one starter in the NFL, his return value could get him on the field early in his career.

Alright, back to the defense. Jones does a lot of things well for a smaller defender. He’s aggressive at the line of scrimmage and uses his bulk (5’9 200lbs) to help jar receivers off of their route. He is fluid in the hips and plays defenders down to the text-book definition, it’s very rare to find Jones out of position while defending a route.

Cyrus Jones is one of the better known defenders in the SEC, a conference that holds some of the more talented athletes in college football. He is a guy who will have a smooth transition in becoming a solid nickel corner for somebody in April.

Weaknesses

Jones’ physical stature isn’t necessarily a weaknesses more so than it is a position placement. At 5’9 it would be hard for him to stick with players on the outside that are half a foot taller than him and expect him to be a dominant player. At times when Jones is in press coverage, he loses sight of the run game and causes himself to be the missing piece on a downfield run.

His speed is also questionable, he has enough to keep up in college but the combine will tell his raw value for the NFL.

Outlook

Cyrus Jones should be a solid nickel corner at the next level. He’ll more than likely see the majority of his time as a special teams player in his first couple seasons, but it’s expected that he’ll be in the defensive plans at one point or another.

His success in one of college football’s top conferences and his will to be an aggressive player will only help his journey at the next level.

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