2020 NFL Draft: Brandon Jones could be key against Texas

Texas safety Brandon Jones is one of the top senior safeties in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he could be a difference-maker against Oklahoma.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound team captain wears a number of hats for the Longhorns defense, and he’ll need to be on top of his game against the sixth-ranked Sooners.

Jones predominantly serves as a box safety and nickel for the Longhorns defense, but they will ask him to play over the top in single and double-high looks at times.

Oklahoma can win a variety of ways on offense, and Jones’ versatility could put him in a position to leave his fingerprints all over this game.

They have a potent rushing attack led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Trey Sermon. Hurts can still hurt teams on the ground despite developing into more of a pocket passer this season, but Sermon is a big, athletic runner that is going to test Jones in the open field.

This matchup provides Jones the perfect opportunity to continue to display his prowess against the run.

Jones has displayed ability in run support and does a nice job maintaining gap discipline. He has speed coming downhill and isn’t afraid to mix it up at the point-of-attack, although he isn’t always effective.

He’s a solid tackler that takes good angles in pursuit, but he is prone to missing a tackle from time-to-time. He cleans things up quickly when the ball is in front of him and has good closing speed.

Texas isn’t afraid to utilize Jones in man coverage and he faces a tough task against the Sooners’ talented receiving corp. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Charleston Rambo highlight the group, but they have plenty of play makers with the ability to stretch the field from the slot.

Jones is fluid in coverage and plays effectively with inside leverage, but this is going to be a great chance to see how he handles NFL speed. He’s flashed route recognition and the ability to transition in off man coverage, but staying attached to Oklahoma’s speedsters is easier said than done.

Texas is still one of the toughest teams in the country despite their loss to LSU earlier in the season, and Jones presence on defense plays a large part of that.

They’ll need to generate pressure up front to make Hurts uncomfortable, but Jones is going to have to produce both against the run and hold up in coverage if the Longhorns have a chance at an upset bid.

A big performance could solidify Jones as a top-tier senior safety prospect, as well as a potential invite for the Senior Bowl.