Against star players trying to prove themselves, Nic Jones shined.
Jones, a former FBS cornerback who played at Ball State, was competing in the East-West Shrine Bowl. His West team was trying to hold onto a 6-3 lead in the fourth quarter.
After the East faked a handoff, Jones waited in the flat for a moment. But he read the play, understood the situation, and dropped back.
This put him in perfect position for an interception. This set his team up for a field goal and an eventual victory.
Jones certainly could help NFL teams win as well.
What Team Drafted Nic Jones?
Jones was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round with the 250th overall pick.
Nic Jones Stats and Highlights
Jones’ 2021 season was cut short due to injury, but he bounced back in 2022 by earning All-MAC second-team honors. He totaled 23 tackles, 16 solo, with two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and one blocked kick last year.
Jones played in at least six games and started at least one in each of the prior three seasons. In 2019, he played mostly at nickel which shows he can take on different roles.
He intercepted three passes while tallying 65 tackles and 22 passes defended in his career at Ball State.
Jones was invited to the NFL Combine, which illustrates the interest he’s garnering. His results in the 40-yard dash (4.51 seconds), 10-yard split (1.57 seconds), vertical jump (34.5 inches), broad jump (10 feet, 2 inches), and 20-yard shuttle (4.34 seconds) were mostly in the middle of the pack among cornerbacks.
Nic Jones Draft Profile
Jones allowed 30 catches on 68 targets for a reception rate of 44.1% in 2022. Among all cornerbacks in the country who played at least 50% of the most snaps, that was the 21st-best mark. He was also in the top 50 with a 67.6 NFL passer rating allowed.
At 6-foot, 189 pounds with arms measured at 32 3/8 inches, Jones has the frame to cover any wide receiver in the NFL. And by the way he played in college, he doesn’t seem like he’ll be intimidated by even the best pass catchers.
While Jones didn’t contribute much to stopping the run, he is physical at the line of scrimmage when he presses opposing wideouts. Between his length and quick feet, receivers had a tough time beginning a route against Jones.
Jones could play nickel and could contribute on special teams in myriad ways. However, he’ll probably be best suited as an outside corner in the NFL.
And Jones has the potential to become a starting cornerback once he’s drafted.
