Draft Nuggets 2015: Entry #19
By Jeff Bowers of youtube.com/TheSportsNarrative
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
Analysis of Byron Jones:
With the 27th pick in round one the Cowboys took the hybrid CB/S from UConn Byron Jones. Jones is 6’1” 199lbs ran a 4.39 in the 40. Jones was team captain for the Huskies, carries himself in a very professional manor, earning him the nickname “Senator Jones.” He played 37 of a career 43 games, switching from S to CB as needed by his team. Jones injured his shoulder in the summer of 2014 and tried to play his Senior season with a brace on it. Smart and instinctive, Jones is physical, though not as quick twitch as you’d like in a pure CB.
His fit in Dallas:
I envision Jones playing a hybrid FS/CB role in Marinelli’s defense, very similar to the role Darren Woodson played for Dallas early in his career. As Dallas played well over 50% of their defensive snap in the nickel, Jones steps in as the 5th DB, creating the option of a “Big Nickel” where he could play outside, sliding Scandrick into the slot OR he could slide back to FS, moving Wilcox to the SS spot and moving Church to a LB spot (exactly what Church did in college for Ohio). This is particularly helpful against team that run the “Fast Break” offense (see Chip Kelly) as there is no need to substitute to match a run vs pass attack.
Better Options for Dallas at #27:
Much of the criticism Dallas is receiving for the Jones pick comes in the form of “what could have been” with players such a DT Malcolm Brown or DE Randy Gregory. First off, Gregory and his character red flags reported extend beyond a little (or a lot) of weed. Questions about mental makeup have become increasingly concerning to NFL GMs in light of the retirement of Chris Borland. Teams need to know a player can handle professional life, both on and off the field, without worrying about that 3AM phone call and the differences between Jones and Gregory are striking in that regard. As for Brown, I believe we are having the “Shariff Floyd” argument all over again. The Cowboys have shown a propensity to devalue the 1 tech DT in their scheme, preferring to slide smaller players inside on passing downs and use speed over size. In this case, the need at DB outweighed the need on the DL, though I know that will make most casual Cowboys fans crazy. I fully expect this position to be addressed later today.
Best Players Left on the Board:
DE – Randy Gregory, Preston Smith, Owagambe Odighizuwa
I expect these guys to go pretty quickly in round 2
DT – Eddie Goldman, Jordan Phillips, Mario Edwards Jr
The first 2 are of little interest, but Edwards could be a fit if he lasts to #60
LBs – Eric Kendricks, Eli Harold, Denzel Perryman
I’m pretty shocked Kendricks is still there, but otherwise probably not a target for Dallas
DBs – Landon Collins, Eric Rowe, Jalen Collins
Even though the Cowboys took Jones, they could target even another CB in round 4 or 5 and give Carr the boot.
RBs – Jay Ajayi, Tevin Coleman, TJ Yeldon
All the runners are still there, does one make it to #60?
WRs – Devin Smith, Jaelen Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham
The Cowboys talked to Devin Smith, so there’s a chance if he slides.
QBs – Bryce Petty, Garrett Grayson, Brett Hundley
I think round 2 will see both Petty and Grayson off the board
OTs – Jake Fisher, TJ Clemmings, Donovan Smith
After the run of OL in round 1, these 3 will be in high demand early
OGs – AJ Cann, Tre Jackson, Ali Marpet
All 3 of these are 2nd/3rd round types
TEs – Maxx Williams, Devin Funchess, Clive Walford
The TEs will start coming off the board today