Dallas Cowboys fill need at CB with Byron Jones

The Dallas Cowboys’ selection of Connecticut’s Byron Jones with the 27th overall selection was a move that filled a big need at the cornerback spot on a defense that could use a lot of improvement.

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Jones (6-1, 199 pounds) still needs to work on a few parts of his game, but what player doesn’t need work when they are drafted in the NFL?

At the combine. Jones had great numbers with a 44.5 inch vertical jump and a 147-inch broad jump, both top performances at the February event.

But this pick was about more than the Dallas Cowboys liking his number at the combine … this selection was about them starting to gain an identity on defense. Jones finally brings some much-needed help at the cornerback position for a team that struggled with their defensive backfield this past season.

In the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys’ defense allowed the Packers to score a 46-yard touchdown on an Aaron Rodgers pass to Devante Adams with 1:41 left in the third quarter, and a 13-yard pass in the fourth quarter.

In fact, the Cowboys’ defense allowed three passing touchdowns in the playoff loss.

CBS Sports had Jones as the third-rated cornerback and the 20th overall rated player, so the Cowboys getting him with the 27th pick is somewhat of a steal.

Sep 21, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies cornerback Byron Jones (16) reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) in the second quarter at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In four seasons with the Huskies, Jones totaled 222 tackles (130 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss and eight interceptions.

Mike Mayock of NFL.com gave this evaluation of Jones:

"“I think this pick fits need. He plays hard, but like most tall corners he’s a little bit stiff. He’s gifted and explosive, and will help out the Cowboys’ defense immediately. Dallas will be excited about this kid.”"

His senior season saw him in just seven games (he had a shoulder injury) have 24 tackles and two interceptions, but in Jones’ junior season of 12 games, he collected 60 tackles (42 solo) with three interceptions.

David Helman of DallasCowboys.com wrote this on Jones following his selection:

"“Jones should immediately address that issue, as he can step in and contribute from Day 1. With two years of experience at safety, the 6-0, 199-pound prospect also has the potential to help on the back end of the defense.”"

To be honest, any help to the defense of the Cowboys is a plus. The Cowboys were lucky to gain Jones at this spot of the draft, and that “luck” brings them a player who might be a starter on this team by the time Week 1 arrives.

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