Cyrus Jones was one of the five players I thought the Patriots should target in this draft. Jones is exactly what the Patriots need. An instinctive cover corner who can line up in the slot and play man coverage. At 5-10 197, Jones has the ideal size for what Belichick looks for in a corner. What Jones lacks in size, he makes up for in toughness and smarts. Here’s my scouting report on Jones. 

Man to Man Coverage: Jones is smooth and fluid as a Cover 1 man cover corner. He can flip his hips, turn and run. Competes for jump balls in one on one situations. 

Zone Coverage: Jones played a lot of squat corner at Alabama. The Tide play a ton of Cover 2 zone. Jones has a strong upper body. He gets his hands on receivers and consistently re-routes them inside to where his help is. 

Closing Quickness: Jones can make a read, stick his play side foot in the ground and drive to the ball. It is especially evident in run support. 

Key and Diagnose: Jones is well coached in this area. Alabama runs a multiple defense and they play a variety of coverages. He is well versed in route reading and matching up.

Lateral Pursuit: Jones is not an explosive athlete but he takes good angles, stays under control and he gets to the ball.

Tackling: Jones is a good tackler. He breaks down, attacks the center of the ball carrier and drives through them. Jones does a good squaring up a blocker and he takes good angles to the ball.

Pass Drop: Jones is smooth when he transitions in and out of his backpedal. He doesn’t get stacked often. He does struggle in jump ball situations, especially in the red zone.

Pass Coverage: Jones can play in the slot and on the outside. He has good hands, is smooth and fluid in his movements and he shows good anticipation when the ball is in the air.