Patriots Draft Alabama Corner Cyrus Jones In Second Round
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots used their first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft to add some depth to the corner position.
With the 60th overall pick the Patriots drafted Alabama corner Cyrus Jones, who also brings some value on special teams. Jones is a little undersized for a corner at 5-foot-10, but gives New England some depth at the position with Malcolm Butler set to become a restricted free agent and Logan Ryan hitting the open market after the season.
Read: What Cyrus Jones Had To Say About Being Drafted By Patriots
Jones was originally recruited by Alabama as a wide receiver but switched to the defensive side of the field his sophomore season. He started all 14 games as a junior and led Alabama with 16 passes defended and three interceptions. He was their starting corner as a senior, recording nine passes defended and a pair of picks.
Jones played nickel in practice, but was predominantly on the outside in games, against the best receivers Bama faced.
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 30, 2016
Jones will likely be a nickel corner in the New England defense, but can also make a name for himself on special teams. He had four punt returns for a touchdown during his senior seasons to lead the nation, and averaged 12.5 yards per punt return over his career.
Cyrus Jones punt return TD vs. Michigan State in the National Semifinals... https://t.co/lnwfE1uIcW
— Rich Keefe (@Keefe21) April 30, 2016
Adam Jones & Rich Keefe React To Pick: