Packers Draft Preview: Washington CB Sidney Jones
Watching Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, and Ladarius Gunter get barbecued by the NFL’s elite wide receivers all season has Packers fans looking for help in the secondary.
Given how frequently he’s drafted corners and safeties, it’s safe to assume that Ted Thompson is thinking something similar.
That’s good for everyone involved, because this is considered to be an unusually deep draft at corner. Though analyst Tony Pauline told us he didn’t love the top end of the class, he says there’s quality depth available through the middle of the draft.
Falling somewhere in that range is Washington cornerback Sidney Jones. Considered perhaps the best overall corner in the draft, Jones now faces an uncertain future after tearing his Achilles tendon at his Pro Day workout. His skills are still intriguing, and he could be a high value selection if someone’s willing to take a chance beyond the first round.
What are Jones’ strengths?
- Excels in press man coverage
- Gets his hands on everything; intercepted nine passes in his college career and got his hands on more than 20% of the passes thrown his way in 2016
- Great pre-injury speed
- Height and length is a big plus
What are Jones’ weaknesses?
- Slightly built; could weigh as little as 180 pounds depending on the source you choose for your measurements
- Torn Achilles is a huge question mark; may never regain pre-injury form
- Sometimes relies too much on press coverage and isn’t as effective playing off receivers
- Played with high-end talent at Washington and may have benefitted from other players around him
How Sidney Jones fits with the Packers
The Packers love two things from their corners: size and ability to play press man coverage. Recent free agent acquisition Davon House is a great example of someone who possesses both.
If the Packers decide he’s healthy enough to warrant a draft pick, his skill set certainly seems like he would fit in well.
Will the Packers draft Sidney Jones?
It’s usually difficult to take a hard and fast position on a prospect, but it’s pretty safe to say that the Packers won’t pick Jones, at least not in the first round.
Though the Packers are slow to draft for need, they do have immediate needs in the secondary. Jones doesn’t seem like he’d be able to meet those needs, and the Packers will probably go in a different direction as a result.