New England Patriots: Making the case for Byron Jones

This offseason, the New England Patriots lost both of their starting cornerbacks, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, to free agency. Now they are left with a slew of cornerbacks who have yet to really prove themselves as front-line performers.

Malcolm Butler could potentially develop into that role, but that is a big if. Butler made the game-winning play in the Super Bowl, but was often burnt during the season. The Patriots must look to the draft to replace their lost corners and Byron Jones would be a perfect candidate for that replacement.

More from New England Patriots

Jones is a redshirt senior coming out of the University of Connecticut. He surprised everyone at the combine, when he broke the world record for the broad jump. Jones also ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, so he is an astounding athlete. Joining his athleticism with his 6″1″, 196 lbs frame he has the physical attributes to become a star in the NFL. Jones senior year season ended early through a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. This raises a few concerns, but his performances at the combine and his pro day have quieted those concerns.

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Byron Jones catches a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

His college career was stellar, but he failed to obtain any awards throughout his career, except for AAC All-Academic team. The lack of awards is also greatly due to his injury during his senior year. After redshirting his first year, Jones was a major factor on the Connecticut defense, starting eight games in his freshman season. The following year he become a full-time starter on the team, as he started all 12 games at the safety position.

His junior season is where he made the switch to the cornerback position and again was very solid starting all 12 games and racking up eight passes defensed and 60 total tackles.

His injury was a major disappointment for Jones during his senior year, as he was having a very good year. He was also voted team captain for this year as well. Throughout his time at college he continuously displayed great athleticism, good understanding of the game and good tackling skills. As Jones has experience at the safety position, he could at some point in his career make the switch back to safety in the NFL.

The Patriots value this type of versatility. Another very good attribute is that he played in college system in which press coverage was frequently used. He could give the Pats the option to continue to play press coverage, even without Revis.

Jones is a great player who has all the physical and mental capabilities of becoming a star in the NFL. In college he excelled both on the field and off the field with his economics major. The Patriots must add a cornernback to their secondary, and if Jones is available he should be the choice for the Pats.

Next: Best five Patriots games in 2015

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/New England Patriots