Jaylon Jones: Indianapolis Colts Rookie Files

As a former five-star recruit, Indianapolis Colts rookie Jaylon Jones is determined to show he is more than just a typical seventh-round pick.

When it comes to the seventh round of the NFL draft, no player is a sure thing.

Players can be taken based on their athletic upside. Others are drafted because a team does not want to lose out on that player as an undrafted free agent. Whatever the reason, seventh-round picks are typically just another throw at the dart board.

It can be humbling for players who were once high-level recruits to be selected so late in the draft. The player can either feel sorry for themselves or use it as motivation to prove that the other 31 teams that passed over him were wrong.

This is "Rookie Files," a series on Horseshoe Huddle that gives you the backstory of every rookie for the Indianapolis Colts. Going player by player, we look at their journeys to the NFL and what makes each unique while also detailing how they help the Colts. Next up, Jaylon Jones, a former five-star recruit ready to overcome the stigma of being a seventh-round pick.

A Military Family

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Jones was born on April 3, 2002, in Jacksonville, Fla., to Virgil and Alisha Jones. Jones comes from a military family, as both his parents served in the Navy. Growing up with both parents in the armed forces shaped Jones as a person.

“(I'm) very disciplined in every aspect of my life," Jones admitted. "I believe you should have a plan, a routine, and that’s what causes you success, things like that. Just as a person, a different perspective on life. I lived in Japan. I love all people. I’ve got a big heart."

With both parents in the military, Jones moved around quite a bit as a child. The family moved from Jacksonville to Miami before heading across the world to spend time in Japan. He encountered different types of people and cultures at a young age, allowing him to get a different view of the world.

Jones moved back to the States in third grade as the family settled in Cibolo, Texas. The Lone Star State is where Jones got his start in football, joining a youth team when he was eight. His first position was center, but coaches realized the type of athlete he was and began moving him to other positions on the field.

From center, Jones went on to play quarterback, running back, and linebacker throughout his elementary and middle school days. No matter what position he played, Jones was able to make plays. He began to make a name for himself as he entered high school.

Jones enrolled at Byron P. Steele High School in Cibolo, ready to make his mark on the football field. It did not take long for that to happen.

Five-Star Recruit

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While Jones had played multiple positions before high school, he began playing wide receiver as a freshman at Steele. Although he had never played wide receiver before, Jones was an incredible athlete and grasped the position quickly.

Jones played on both the freshman and JV teams that year at wide receiver and was called up to varsity toward the end of the season. His talent was evident, and head coach David Saenz began to form plans for the talented youngster.

Jones switched to another new position as a sophomore, this time to cornerback. The switch paid off in a big way as Jones became a starter on varsity and never looked back. He totaled 31 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Because of his success on varsity in his sophomore campaign, college programs immediately began to notice. Jones was making a name for himself, and more coaches wanted to speak with him to let Jones know they were interested in recruiting him.

He continued to play very well as a junior. With 36 tackles, seven passes defended, and another forced fumble, Jones was named to the All-District team. He continued to perform at a high level as more schools came calling.

The recruitment for Jones had reached another level after his junior season. He had received offers from the likes of Ohio State, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Even Alabama and USC extended offers to Jones late in the process.

But for Jones, the program that stood out the most to him was Texas A&M. The campus was close to home, and he connected with head coach Jimbo Fisher. In February of 2019, Jones committed to the Aggies at their junior day.

However, he still had his senior year left to play. Jones played wide receiver, once again, along with his cornerback duties. The result was 30 catches for 549 yards and five touchdowns on offense with 34 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles on defense. He earned District Defensive MVP in 2019 and Second Team All-State honors.

Jones was a superstar at the high school level. He was a five-star recruit, the No.1 ranked safety in the 2020 class, and the No.21 recruit nationally. Jones was named an Under Armor All-American and played alongside the nation's best in the All-Star game.

After an incredible high school career, Jones was off to College Station, ready to be a star at the collegiate level.

Starter From The Jump

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Jones enrolled early at Texas A&M and began taking classes in January 2020. Enrolling early allowed him to work with his coaches and teammates sooner than expected. Coming in as such a high recruit, there was a chance he could earn a starting role right away.

The spring of 2020 brought along the pandemic and forced college football programs to make drastic changes to spring and summer work. Even with those restrictions, Jones impressed coaches and earned the starting job.

In ten games as a true freshman, Jones put up 30 tackles, a team-leading seven pass deflections, and an interception. He returned as a sophomore and put together another quality season with 35 tackles, eight pass deflections, and a team-leading two interceptions in 12 starts.

During his junior year, Jones missed the first two games of his college career due to injury. But Jones still had another solid year, starting ten games and finishing with 33 tackles and two pass deflections. He earned the team's Defensive Attitude Award after the season.

Overall, Jones tallied 98 tackles, three interceptions, and 17 pass deflections for the Aggies. He was a solid starter for A&M in his three seasons but failed to make any all-conference teams. For a former five-star recruit, that may seem like a disappointment.

But Jones was happy with what he had accomplished at Texas A&M and felt like he had grown as a player more than accolades would show. Instead of returning for his senior season, Jones declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Because Jones declared early for the draft, he was not invited to participate in any collegiate all-star games. He would need to make an impression during the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day. Jones was known to be a good athlete, and showcasing that would help him rise on draft boards.

Jones ran an average 40-yard dash of 4.57 at the Combine (he ran a 4.50 at his pro day) but did show off his explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical. While he tested as a good athlete, it was not the results he had hoped for.

Heading into the draft, Jones received fourth and fifth-round grades from the pundits. But as the seventh round rolled around, the cornerback was still on the board. Fortunately for Jones, the Colts stopped his slide, selecting him with the No.221 pick.

"First and foremost, just believing in God and staying true to myself," Jones said after he was drafted. "I just put my head down working and just believe in myself. Just really knowing yourself, making this dream come true as a young kid. That’s really what I learned about myself during this whole process. ... I’m just ready to get around the family in Indianapolis – all my brothers and the staff and get this thing rolling man. Excited.”

How Jones Helps the Colts

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Jones makes the third cornerback drafted by the Colts this offseason as the team focused on going younger at the position. While many seventh-round picks fail to make an impact, Jones will fight to carve out a role on this team.

At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Jones is a big, physical corner that is not afraid to mix it up in the run game. He has strong hands and gets players on the ground quickly. He embraces contact, which can be both a blessing and a curse considering he may draw the occasional flag.

As a cover man, Jones has plenty of experience as a press corner, something defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would like to implement more in his scheme. He does a good job at limiting explosive plays and is competitive in jump ball situations. While he still needs work refining his game, he has all the traits you look for in a cornerback.

Jones also has experience playing special teams. He played on punt return and punt coverage teams during his time with the Aggies. If Jones makes the final roster, he will likely get his start on special teams as he works on his game.

As a five-star prospect and one of the highest-rated recruits in the country, Jones did not expect to barely be drafted. However, he is also not the type of person to feel sorry for himself. Jones will use this as motivation as he strives to prove other teams wrong in their evaluations.

Having success wherever he has been, do not be surprised if Jones eventually cracks the rotation for the Colts.

More Rookie Files

• QB Anthony Richardson
• CB JuJu Brents
• WR Josh Downs
• OT Blake Freeland
• DE Adetomiwa Adebawore
• CB Darius Rush
• S Daniel Scott
• TE Will Mallory
• RB Evan Hull
• DE Titus Leo
• OT Jake Witt

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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