The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a boundary corner who can play press. Sidney Jones was probably never in their wheelhouse because of his talent, but a recent injury could cause him to slip to the Steelers in round one. Then comes the tough decision.
Sidney Jones | Washington University
6′ 186lbs | Junior
What’s to like: Very good in press coverage. Physical, but smart about his physicality. Has a decent jam at the line of scrimmage. Has good height for the position. Doesn’t allow a free release. Willing in run support. Uses the bail technique well, keeps eyes on the quarterback and his man/zone maintained. Great in pursuit, straight line to the ball. Plus ball skills and according to NFL.com, Jones has nine interceptions and got a hand on 21.3% of balls thrown his way the past two seasons. . Excellent mirror coverage down field. Outstanding instincts and high FBI (football intelligence). Uses and trusts his eyes very well.
Concerns: Tore his Achilles tendon at his Pro Day, availability for 2017 season is uncertain. Needs to put on some weight and get stronger. Can get pushed around in run support. Would like to see more aggression and fire against the run, needs to play mad and with a purpose and I don’t see that. Needs to be more aware of where the first down marker is, especially on long downs. A bit stiff in his change of direction. Gives up the comeback route-catch a ton.
Verdict: A press corner who can play man or zone very well. Much better in press man coverage. I think the defensive play calling hindered Jones’ play a bit. His torn achilles may make him available for the Steelers in Round 1, which may make the decision for Kevin Colbert tough, since Jones is a top 20 talent.
2016 Stats: 39 tackles (27 solo), 2.5 TFL, 2 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FF
Grade: Top 20 | Projection: Late 1st, Early 2nd
Games watched: USC 2016, Washington State 2016, Colorado 2016, Oregon 2016
All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals
Stats courtesy: Sports-Reference, NFL.com
Photo courtesy: CBS Sports
Video courtesy: DraftBreakdown.com
1 comment
It took me some time but here goes. Bob’s mock 1.0 1, Tim Williams ALA. LB. 2, Chidobe Hwuzie CB. COL. 3,Adam Shaneen TE Ashland 3,Dawuane Smoot LB ILL. 4,Adam Bisnowaty OT PITT 5, Elijah Lee LB K STATE 6,Jamaal Williams RB BYU 7, Jerod Evans QB V.T. I actually took some time on this and feel these are players who can help and fill some needs.