Defensive backs had all eyes on them Monday as the NFL Scouting Combine reach its final day in Indianapolis.
Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey and Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves, III were Nos. 1 and 2 respectively on analyst Mike Mayok’s (NFL Network) list for top coverage cornerback.
Mayock's Top 5 CB
1 Jalen Ramsey, FSU
2 Vernon Hargreaves, FLA
3 Mackensie Alexander, CLEM
4 Eli Apple, OSU
5 Cyrus Jones, ALA#NFLCombine— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 29, 2016
Alabama’s Cyrus Jones (5-foot-9, 197 pounds) was fifth on the list and the former Crimson Tide standout made his money at Lucas Oil Stadium. He clocked in at 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash, tying him for 11-best among defensive backs.
Jones’ 40-time was a second faster than Hargreaves, who finished at 4.50 seconds.
4.48u in the 40?@AlabamaFTBL's Cyrus Jones (@MikeMayock's #5 CB) brings the speed! #NFLCombine https://t.co/ajzF7PvUxz
— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2016
Jones chimed in with a 33-inch vertical and a 116-inch broad jump. His footwork was efficient in the 3-cone drill, posting a time of 6.71 seconds (third-best among defensive backs).
He ended the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.21 seconds and put in 10 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Jones displayed strong hands, ball skills and footwork during all defensive back drills. NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks named him as one of his “winners” from the combine.
.@CyJones_ (@MikeMayock's #5 CB) from @AlabamaFTBL tears through the on-field drills. #NFLCombine https://t.co/bmU5X4TWMs
— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2016
Sixteen teams could use a cornerbacks, but four of them—Dallas, Jacksonville, Miami and Oakland—have it labeled as a top need. Jones is projected to be taken in the fourth-round of the upcoming draft.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
