Prospects with tough 2016 NFL Draft Decisions
By Jon Dove
Oct 3, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) passes on the Indiana Hoosiers defense in the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports
Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
Ohio State and Urban Meyer gave Cardale Jones more than enough time to establish himself as the player they need to lead them to another National Championship. However, Jones has struggled to consistently move the football and play at a high level.
He was benched this week in favor of JT Barrett which has put his NFL draft stock in a tailspin. If he’s unable to regain the starting job, scouts will only have a total of roughly 11 games to develop a feel for his potential.
Barrett holding onto the starting job would also mean that Jones virtually can’t return to Ohio State next season. This limits his options to entering the NFL draft or transferring to another school which would require he sit out a season.
His upcoming decision is so difficult because he obviously has the physical talent to succeed in the NFL. Scouts are drooling over his combination of size, athleticism and arm strength. He’s that perfect piece of clay that coaches feel they can mold into an elite player.
Honestly, this seems like a simple decision because Jones has an opportunity to make money and get into a program which coaches focused on developing his skills. Transferring to another college would keep him out of football for an entire year and then force him to learn a new system.
Next: Christian Hackenberg