NFL Draft: Sidney Jones Tears Achilles
Injuries in the NFL Draft process can be the most gut-wrenching scenario an athlete or fan can consider
Update: Reports are that Jones ruptured his left Achilles’ tendon.
Original story:
Washington Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones was carted off the field at his Pro Day in front of scouts with what’s being called a significant left leg injury.
During what was reportedly his last drill of the day Jones went down and was helped off the field by Washington head coach Chris Peterson. The projected first-round draft pick had an air cast placed on his left leg as he was taken out of the practice facility.
Should Jones’ injury be as significant as local reports say they are, he could potentially miss his entire rookie season.
Washington CB Sidney Jones, consensus first-round NFL draft prospect, leaves pro day on a cart after suffering apparent left leg injury. pic.twitter.com/t0DPc70tAL
— Stephen Cohen (@scohenATH) March 11, 2017
A substantial injury such as an ACL or fracture could push the PAC-12 star out of the first round completely. Last year after suffering a much worse injury linebacker Jaylon Smith fell from being a consensus top-five draft pick into the second round.
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With an injury so close to the Draft (approximately a month away) Jones could fall as far as the fourth or fifth round depending on the severity of his injury. Any nerve damage could push him even further down draft boards.
Michigan tight end Jake Butt could also see his draft stock be affected by a suspected ACL injury suffered during the season.
In 2015 Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who projected to be the best cornerback in the draft class, suffered a dislocated left knee that required two reconstruction surgeries. He fell to the end of the seventh round to Cleveland and is now a free agent.
Hopefully, Jones’ injury is not as extensive as Ekpre-Olomu and the Huskies defensive back can return to the field as an impactful player.