FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jarrian Jones
Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
6’0″ – 191 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit and Mississippi native who originally attended Mississippi State. Totaled 12 tackles there in 2019 before transferring to Florida State. Has been more of a rotational player there, averaging a little over 20 tackles per year with five interceptions and 10 breakups, three of those picks coming this season. Throughout his collegiate career, averaged just over 350 snaps per season, with none over his 2023 total of 453. Over five years, allowed 63/113 passing (55.8%) for 814 yards and eight touchdowns.
Positives:
Five-year contributor with escalating output. Took most of his snaps as a boundary corner but moved primarily into a slot role this year. Plays a lot of off-coverage, typically lining up four or five yards off the line of scrimmage. Has good size and length for a pro nickel back, with what looks like a flexible build. Has quick feet. Doesn’t backpedal too much, but shows good balance when doing so. Pretty good transitions and speed to turn and run with opponents downfield. Uses his length to pin opponents to the boundary. Gets his head around pretty quickly to locate. Trusts his instincts when processing against zone; quick decision-maker against combinations. Transitions cleanly to driving on a spot. On-ball production took a jump forward this year, with three interceptions. Gets good extension to play off of blocks.
Negatives:
Was never really an every-down player despite staying in school for five years. Has virtually no experience as a high safety, and very little in the box. Didn’t get to see him doing a lot of press during the games reviewed. Linear build. Looks like his base can get a little bit narrow, and doesn’t always have the best leverage. Would like to see him play with more patience, as there’s a lot of rushed/wasted motion to his game. Doesn’t look like he has elite explosiveness. Uses his hands in man coverage or when pattern-matching, but not as consistently as you’d like. Doesn’t have a ton of stopping power as a tackler, and reliability in the run game is average at best.
Summary:
A tall, long-limbed corner who spent his early career on the boundary but slid inside to the slot this past year and had his most productive season overall. His quickness and fluidity is better than anticipated for a player with his size. Seems to have the ability to work in either man or zone coverage, traits which could get him some late second-round consideration. In terms of his frame, looks more like a safety, but doesn’t really have any experience there.
Projection: Round 4
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