Feedback on Miami Dolphins’ selection of Texas defensive back Brandon Jones
Feedback on the Dolphins’ selection of Texas safety Brandon Jones, a three-year starter who couldn’t work out at the NFL Combine because of a torn labrum:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper: “Love the versatility of Brandon Jones. He did a lot during his career at Texas. You think about this past season; had 64 solos of the 86 tackles, which led that Longhorn defense. Had 4.5 tackles for loss, broke up four tackles, had couple interceptions, forced a fumble.
“What I really like is he can play high, can play in the slot. That’s what really got my attention this past season was his ability to cover out of the slot. That’s critical in the NFL. Defensive coordinators love safeties who can do that and provide that defensive versatility.
“At Texas, if not their best defensive player, he was arguably one of the top two. Outstanding football player. That’s a real nice pick at that point in the third round. I watched a lot of games this year and he looked like a mid second-rounder so you’re getting pretty good value here with a real versatile safety, athletic safety in Brandon Jones.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: “He’s got a thumper’s heart but doesn’t have the frame to carry the pop necessary to handle that role. While Jones played boundary, field, and nickel safety position at Texas, he’ll likely be pegged as a two-deep or single-high free safety due to man coverage limitations but above-average speed.
“He plays with good urgency and has soft hands, but just average instincts, which limited his ball production. He could get pushed up a round if he’s a big tester. He has third-safety potential and offers early help on special teams.”
Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner: “Heading into 2019, Jones didn’t look like much more than a big athlete plugged in at safety. His angles and route recognition on the back end were nothing special. However, he got more opportunities to go down and cover the slot this past season, and I thought his natural talent really flourished. He’s got the movement skills for the position but not necessarily the quick read-and-react ability.
“Because of that, he’s still likely a Day 3 type of prospect. [But] Jones looked much more comfortable around the line of scrimmage this past season than as a safety. A possible switch to cornerback could be in his future.”
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Bryant McFadden: “He’s a very, very disciplined, sound player. He listens and he does what the defensive call tells him to do.”
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Raekwon Davis.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Robert Hunt.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Noah Igbinoghene.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Austin Jackson.
Here’s my piece on how the supplemental draft - during a pandemic - could impact the Dolphins and Hurricanes.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 10:14 PM.
