(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones).
Name: Byron Jones
Position: Cornerback
College: Connecticut
Height/Weight: 6-1/199
Age: 22
Honors: Jones' season was cut in half by a shoulder injury that required surgery. He appeared in UConn's first seven games, recording 24 tackles and two interceptions.
Key Stat: He was already a highly-regarded draft pick, but Jones jumped into the national consciousness at the NFL Combine when he set a world record with a broad jump of 12-feet, 3-inches. His 44.5-inch vertical wasn't exactly shabby, either.
Where He's Projected: Jones isn't typically listed in the same breath as the trio of Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson and Marcus Peters – but he's still widely considered a top 40 pick. If the Cowboys are interested, they'll likely have to take him with their No. 27 pick.
How He Helps the Cowboys: Before he switched to cornerback in 2013, Jones was a 12-game starter at safety. He's got the versatility to play both positions, though the Cowboys would likely expect him to claim one of the top three cornerback jobs. Regardless of how it would shake out, he'd create some depth at the cornerback spot.
Scout's Take: Can be physical in the press but just as comfortable playing in off coverage. Rangy build with rare athletic traits. Moves well to get in position. Nice power to hold up receiver. Can mirror the receiver. Can high point the ball. Can pedal, turn and go -- smoothness. Not much wasted motion. Plays with his knees bent. There are snaps where he slips, which makes me question his balance. He's quick to read the route out of his pedal. Quick to get his head around. Will run across the field in position. Good tackler. Is aware in zone. Plays his assignment. Plays square. Will drop in zone and keep eyes on ball. Knows where he needs to fit. Times where he will play sideways in zone. Nice lateral quickness and agility. Very good range. Can cover some ground. Very reactionary athlete. Is a hard player to get away from. Doesn't allow the quarterback windows to throw the ball into. Could be the second corner on many draft broads because of his ability. Would be an outstanding option for the Cowboys to select in the first round. – Bryan Broaddus
-- Other Possible Picks --
Kevin Johnson - CB - Wake Forest
Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor
Carl Davis - DT - Iowa
Eric Kendricks - LB - UCLA
Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia
Owamagbe Odighizuwa - DE - UCLA
Shaq Thompson - LB - Washington
Jalen Collins - CB - LSU
Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin
Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana
