Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 Potential Breakout Players (Defense)

May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones (31) covers receiver Lucky Whitehead (13) during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

CB Byron Jones

Yes, I know Byron Jones is a rookie, but the Dallas Cowboys made him a first-round choice for a reason, and that reason is to provide an immediate impact to the defensive backfield, because improvement is needed on the defensive backfield quickly.

The 6-1, 199-pound rookie from UConn totaled 222 career tackles while with the Huskies, including just 24 tackles last season as he was injured during the seventh game of the season. Looking back to his last full season in 2013, Jones totaled 60 tackles and two sacks. Of his 60 tackles, 42 were solo. Also during his junior season, Jones had three interceptions.

According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, Jones could be a starter for the Cowboys:

"“They key will be making plays. If Jones can show in training camp over the summer that he can create turnovers, then there’s no doubt he will be a ‘starter.'”"

I can’t disagree with this. As I said earlier, the Cowboys really need help defensively, and that’s especially at the cornerback spot. They need a tackler, because this defensive unit had too many missed tackles and didn’t have great coverage last season, especially in the playoffs.

Jones will make the Cowboys a better defense, and bringing the versatility of being able to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield, there is no doubt Jones can become a breakout player in year one of his NFL career.

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