Dallas Cowboys: Byron Jones could bring versatility to defense

By Stephen Forsha | Apr 12, 2015

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

When the 2015 NFL Draft arrives later this month, the Dallas Cowboys have a big decision on their hands, because whatever position they draft with the 27th overall pick will set the tone for the remainder of that weekend.

Being the reigning NFC East champions, and a team that not only won a playoff game, but were a play or two away from being in the NFC Championship game, the Cowboys already have a bit of a different look this offseason.

Many believe, or most everyone does, that the Cowboys (13 total wins in ’14, including playoffs) will look to add defense with their first-round choice, and according to ESPN.com NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr. in his Mock Draft 4.0 (it was released on April 9), he also believes the Cowboys will be selecting a defensive player in the opening round.

More from Dallas Cowboys

What player does he believe the Cowboys will be selecting?

According to Mel Kiper Jr., in his fourth ESPN.com Insider mock draft, he is saying the Cowboys will be adding cornerback Byron Jones from the University of Connecticut to their roster on April 30.

Here is what Kiper Jr. wrote for ESPNInsider.com:

"“I love the versatility that Jones can offer them as a corner who can be moved around and also play safety if that’s where they need him. This is one of the best athletes in the draft.”"

When Kiper Jr. wrote the word “versatility,” my senses perked up a little bit and he had my full attention.

Now following a little research on his NFL.com draft profile, the 6-1, 199-pound defensive back, Jones’ combine numbers were impressive, for starters.

He has a 44.5 inch vertical jump, a 147.0 inch broad jump, and a 60-yard shuttle of 10.98 seconds, with all three of these being the best workout performances at the combine for cornerbacks this past February.

When thinking about the needs on defense for the Cowboys, one of the few positions on the defensive side of the ball they haven’t added to this offseason is cornerback or safety, and Jones does, in fact, bring improvement to that area of the roster.

In the playoffs, the Cowboys were 1-1 with a win over the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round and their loss in the Divisional round came against the Green Bay Packers.

The Cowboys defense allowed 406.5 yards per game in the playoffs, an average of 6.1 yards per play. Of the 12 teams in the playoffs, only the Cincinnati Bengals in their one playoff game allowed more total yards per game (482) and yards per play (6.9) than the Cowboys.

Something has to change there for the Cowboys to continue their advancement in the playoffs in 2015.

Enter Jones, who not only had very good numbers at the combine, but on the final day of March “wowed” many on his pro day as well.

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Jones was impressive at his pro day on the final day of March:

"“Jones worked out well at the pro day, catching the ball really well. He is really good in press coverage.”"

Even with all the praise of Jones, we still need to see how productive he was at the collegiate level while playing for the Huskies.

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

We can say he was reliable, playing in most every game he could while with UConn, taking part in 39 games his collegiate career (12 each his first three seasons), where he totaled 222 tackles (130 solo) and eight interceptions.

His senior season with UConn, he played in seven games (had season-ending shoulder injury), where he totaled 24 tackles and two interceptions.

No matter who the Cowboys are able to draft at 27th overall (Jones could be off the board … watch out for the Philadelphia Eagles), the Cowboys would be very smart to select the best available cornerback with the 27th overall selection.

The Cowboys must continue to rebuild their defense with starters and depth to make a better showing in not only the playoffs in 2015, but to keep their title as NFC East champions, because the rest of the division won’t make things easy on them this upcoming season.

With Jones, the Cowboys would have that aforementioned versatility and athleticism they lacked at times last season, and he would be a very welcome addition to the roster.

Next: Is Marcus Peters's past an issue?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Dallas Cowboys