After months of anticipation, the 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone. The Jacksonville Jaguars expressed their interest in taking a cornerback early in the offseason, which caused speculation that it could be a position addressed in the draft. The Jags did that by selecting Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones in the third round of April's draft.
Jones started his collegiate career with Mississippi State in 2019 before transferring to Florida State for the 2020 season. In his final season with the Seminoles, he received an honorable mention for the All-Alantic Coast Conference team after accumulating 25 tackles, three pass breakups, and three interceptions. After his time with Florida State, he received an invite to the East-West Shrine Game, where he was a standout.
Overall, Jones appeared in 44 games while suiting up for the Noles and garnered 84 tackles. April's selection made him the first Florida State selection the Jags have made since Jalen Ramsey, who the team took in Round 1 of the 2016 NFL Draft.
How does Jones' addition impact the Jags?
As expected, the Jags said Jones would play nickelback when they drafted him. However, they signed Darnell Savage Jr. in free agency, who is expected to see snaps in the slot. That means a competition will be coming up in organized team activities and camp, though the edge should go to the veteran. If he doesn't win the job in camp, he'll see the field on special teams after taking nearly 60 snaps their last season with the Seminoles.
Jones will bring a vocal spark to the Jags' defensive backs room, which is never a bad thing. As Jags fans have seen with former cornerback Jalen Ramsey, having a spark in the room can be infectious. Jones will certainly be a player to watch in training camp.
Jarrian Jones' scouting report
Position: Cornerback
College: Florida State
Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 190 lbs.
Strengths/Pros
Versatile and has taken snaps on the boundary and at nickel
Anticipates lateral routes well with good technique
Pursuit to plays in the flats and near the line of scrimmage is solid
Flourished in man coverage
High-energy player with great leadership skills
Weaknesses/Cons
While he's a willing tackler, too many of them end up being broken due to poor tackling technique
Hip movement could be better
Plays upright at times
Arm length (measured at 30' at scouting combine)
Early in his career when he played on the boundary, long speed was an issue
Highlights of his strengths
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