© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Versatility On Display For Aggies Trio At Texas A&M Pro Day
COLLEGE STATION -- The whistle blows and reps begin on the Texas A&M marching band's practice field, mere steps away from Kyle Field.
It's a turf field, meaning cuts come quick, and plants must be pristine to avoid injury.
Halfway through the workouts, scouts wanted to see more from running back Devon Achane and defensive backs Jaylon Jones and Antonio Johnson. Not in terms of on-field reps, but how they would perform on natural grass. In an instant, the Aggies' Pro Day moves just a quarter mile up the road to A&M's outdoor practice complex, and drills begin again.
"Scouts themselves wanted [to see the pro day] on grass," A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said following workouts. "That was the reason we did it. It's their day and they're looking at [these prospects.]."
Johnson and Achane headline A&M's potential prospects entering this year's draft, while Jones hopes also to hear his name called sometime between the seven rounds come April 27-29.
Johnson, a physical safety with the ability to line up anywhere in a secondary, is expected to be a top-50 selection. Achane, a running back with record track speed and a knack for special teams, is likely a Day 2 lock following his 4.32 40-time posted at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis.
Jones is the wild card of the trio, but his physical play style at cornerback should at least draw interest from teams looking for defensive back depth. During his week at the combine, Jones said he'd be willing to switch to safety should a franchise view that as his best role.
Versatility is a trait that could make or break the status of a player when trying to carve out a role early in their career. All three prospects possess the skills to be multi-purpose players after finding success in College Station for three seasons.
"They only get 53 guys [on the roster]," said Fisher. "If they get two or three or four players that can do multiple things in one guy, that makes your value go through the roof."
Perhaps that was the biggest takeaway from Tuesday's Pro Day for all three prospects in front of 32 NFL franchises. Johnson and Jones lined up everywhere while running defensive back drills. Johnson, who mostly saw reps as a nickel defender under Mike Elko and later D.J. Durkin, also worked in deep looks and showed off his rangy coverage skills.
Jones took reps from the boundary but also lined up on what could be viewed as the safety position. He broke on two passes moving forward, though it seemed like the wind changed the throw's trajectory.
Achane, who last season proved his durability wouldn't be a concern at the next level after rushing for over 1,000 yards, also worked reps at receiver. And yes, while swing passes and quick slants were on display, so were reps on the outside.
Fisher said one of Achane's best assets during his time with the program was his ability to win not just as a pass-catcher, but also as a pass-protector. In back-to-back years, Achane totaled at least 24 receptions and averaged 8.2 yards per catch.
"In this league, you can't just be able to run the ball," Achane said. "You have to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield. Thankfully, I've gotten some reps at receiver and I've been able to run routes on the outside or in the slot. It was good to be able to show I could do both."
Achane should have little-to-no trouble adjusting to the pros. Already working as a secondary runner behind Isaiah Spiller for two seasons, his body has minor wear and tear on the legs. Scouts praised his quick-cut ability and electric speed when hitting the outside to make it a foot race to the end zone.
But it's Achane's special team skills that sets him apart from other running back prospects in this year's class. As the Aggies' primary kick returner, the 5-9, 189-pound runner averaged 30.7 yards per return and scored a pair of touchdowns, one of which came in A&M's upset win over then-No. 1 Alabama in 2021.
"He can be an elite returner, he can be an elite receiver and will have the ability to run with the football inside," Fisher said. "He's tough, he's physical, and he understands how to do it. The most unheard talked about thing about him is he's highly intelligent. He's a very easy guy to coach."
In a similar fashion, Johnson's skills should translate to the next level with ease. Even if teams worry about his limited reps outside of the nickel, Fisher said part of the reason he thrived inside was his ability to cover anything.
Running backs? Check. Tight ends? Check. Shifty slot receivers that change direction at the drop of a hat? Johnson can have that on lockdown, too.
"Me being versatile and being able to make plays all around the field, in the box, in the passing game, it just makes me me," said Johnson on why he could be this year's top safety prospect.
Each player will take something away from their time at A&M. Perhaps the biggest is respect. When asked what Johnson and Jones bring to NFL defenses, Achane said both were competitors who weren't just teachers to younger talent, but highly teachable to change.
The same sentiment was echoed by Johnson of Achane and Jones. Naturally, the two defenders gushed over the other's work ethic and character.
"You're getting players who give it 100 percent every day. They're good people off the field," Jones said of Achane and Johnson. "They have good character. They're family-oriented. Those guys are my brothers. I love them to death, and I wish them the best of luck in their careers."
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