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NFL Draft: Cyrus Jones Selected 60th Overall by Patriots

By Josh Boutwell

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against Michigan State Spartans cornerback Demetrious Cox (7) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against Michigan State Spartans cornerback Demetrious Cox (7) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones was selected by the New England Patriots with the 60th pick during the second round in the 2016 NFL Draft.

ICYMI: A’Shawn Robinson Selected 46th Overall by Lions

For his entire career Alabama head coach, Nick Saban, has been known as a bit of a defensive back guru and considering that he had 10 Tide defensive backs drafted since he came to Alabama he has certainly earned that title. Cyrus Jones is the next in a long line of great Bama defensive backs to get drafted. Jones was drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots as their first pick of the draft.

Jones started his career as a receiver before transitioning to cornerback as a sophomore and early in his career as a corner, he was burned on a regular basis by opposing receivers. He turned his career around as a junior and became one of the best cornerbacks in the country as a senior. Quarterbacks rarely attempted to throw at him late in the season and when they did, they paid for it.

Jones was also one of the best punt returners in the country having returned four punts for touchdowns in 2015, one shy of an NCAA record for a single season. He’s a physical player that has no problem putting his head down and helping on run support as well as battle bigger receivers in the air.

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Strengths

NFL.com praised his strength and physicality. “Press corner with good build and strong lower half, plus play strength. Confident and tough. Able to reroute and maintain positioning on receivers.” His personality and connection with teammates was praised. “Scouts say he is well liked in the locker room and has some edge.” His ability as a return man was also praised as well. “Excellent return man, blistered coverage units for four punt return touchdowns this year.”

Weaknesses

Despite all of his positives some NFL.com pointed out, his size as well as his balance as weaknesses that may hurt Jones in the NFL. “Doesn’t check the height or length boxes teams want from outside cornerbacks, and plays with average balance.” Despite his speed his lack of “recovery speed” when chasing receivers downfield was also mentioned.

Bottom Line

His ability in press coverage and his physicality will lead him to likely start out as a nickel corner with the Patriots, as Bill Belichick loves small, physical corners. His return ability will get him on the field a lot sooner than other rookies as well.

More crimson tide: Jarran Reed Selected 49th Overall by Seahawks

Cyrus Jones has brought a ton of excitement to the Tide fanbase and we all wish him the best in his NFL adventure.

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