Jimbo Fisher Praises Colts Selection Of Aggies DB Jaylon Jones
Scheme fit might influence a player's career more than draft status. It's the way Jaylon Jones will have to look at his stock entering the next chapter of his career.
Jones, a press-man cover corner with the size to make an impact on special teams, became a member of the Indianapolis Colts when drafted No. 221 overall in the seventh round. The former Texas A&M cornerback was one of three Aggies selected during the seven rounds on draft weekend.
Indianapolis seemed to come in with a strategy for drafting defensive backs, as all three prospects had a common theme; height. Kansas State's Julius Brents and South Carolina's Darius Rush, whom the Colts drafted in the second and fifth rounds, respectively, each stand over 6-1. Jones, who could transition to safety in Shane Stechien's man coverage scheme, stands 6-2 and weighs 200 pounds.
“Jaylon is another tough, smart, physical football player with good length as a defensive back and can play special teams as well," A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement. "He has proven he can play corner but could also figure in as a safety and be a versatile player in the defensive backfield. He is a conscientious player, not afraid to spend time in the playbook and film room to help him improve. The more versatility you have as a player in the NFL, the better your value.”
One of the top defenders in the 2020 recruiting cycle, Jones started 32 games in three seasons. He recorded 98 tackles and three interceptions during his time on the boundary and elected to forgo his final season in College Station to head to the draft.
Jones' test numbers likely factored into a lesser selection on Saturday. While scouts raved about his personality in meetings, Jones posted a 40-yard-dash time of 4.57 seconds at the NFL combine in Indianapolis last month. He rebounded by running a 4.4 40 during A&M’s Pro Day last month.
"I feel like I'm prepared," Jones said. "Coming through this program with [Coach] Fisher, along with all the other coaches, they definitely prepared us for the next level. Coming out here every day with blood, sweat, and tears on this grass, that's real."
Jones becomes the first A&M cornerback selected since Brandon Williams in 2016 and just the fifth defensive back to hear his name called since 2015. Antonio Johnson, a highly-touted safety with the ability to play in the nickel, was selected 160th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Donovan Wilson (2019), Armani Watts (2018), and Justin Evans (2017) also were drafted during their respective classes but as safety prospects.
The duo joined running back Devon Achane, who was selected 84th overall by the Miami Dolphins, as draftees from A&M. The trio were the only prospects from last season's 5-7 roster that elected to forgo another season in College Station for the pros. The three picks were the fewest for the program since 2020. That season, defensive lineman Justin Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens) and punter Braden Mann (New York Jets) marked the lowest number of players selected since the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012.
Jones and Johnson should carve out roles on special teams before potentially garnering starting buzz. Achane, who made his presence felt with a 164-yard, two-touchdown performance against North Carolina in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, should serve as a rotational runner and the Dolphins' primary kickoff returner.
"He has great patience running between the tackles, and people underestimate his strength and balance," Fisher said of Achane. "He’s a good pass blocker; he’s tough and physical. On special teams, he is a dynamic kick returner. The area that is not talked about when it comes to Devon is his ability to pick things up. He is highly intelligent and is an easy guy to coach. I expect him to be a great professional player.”
The Aggies return to Kyle Field for their regular season opener against New Mexico on Sept. 2.
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