2016 NFL Draft: Alabama’s Cyrus Jones Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Alabama’s Cyrus Jones is looking to use his college experience to help him make an impact in the NFL.
Alabama’s Cyrus Jones is an undersized but explosive defensive back prospect. He has a knack for producing game-altering plays both on defense and special teams. Jones may actually make a bigger impact at the next level as a punt return.
His combination of speed, shiftiness and vision make him a home-run threat when returning punts. He does a great job setting up his blocks and possesses that second gear to take it to the house. Jones should compete right away to be main punt returner for the team that drafts him.
In coverage, he has some areas of his game that are a cause for concern. Jones struggles locating the football and has yet to master getting his head turned around when the ball is in the air. This results in pass interference calls and allowing the receiver to gain position.
Jones’ lack of size is also an issue as he struggles battling through contact. He’s looking at a move inside to the slot where he can matchup against the smaller and shiftier receivers. Jones features the fluidity and overall quickness to excel in this role.
Despite his lack of idea size, he is aggressive versus the run and doesn’t hesitate to attack the line of scrimmage. Jones is able to also contribute as a blitzer off the edge thanks to his quick-twitch ability.
Overall, this is prospect who has limited upside on the defensive side of the ball but could develop into one of the top punt returners in the league. He has enough ability in coverage to potential carve out a part-time role working out of the slot.
Draft Range- 4th Round