Patriots Must Draft One of These Three Cornerbacks
By Cem Yolbulan
Jarrian Jones - Mid Round Pick
The Patriots will presumably wait until the fourth or fifth round to target a cornerback. With more immediate needs on the roster, that seems like the more logical decision. With one of their mid-round picks, targeting a cornerback like Jarrian Jones might be the high-upside play that the Patriots need.
The Florida State standout had one of the best cornerback seasons in the country last year. Only allowing a ridiculous 25.3 passer rating when targeted and recording three interceptions to 16 receptions, Jones caught the eye of a lot of NFL scouts last year.
Add his stellar Shrine Bowl performance, 4.38-second 40-yard dash, and 39.5" vertical at the NFL Combine, and you can see why Jones has become a hot commodity among draft watchers.
Jones started his collegiate career at Mississippi State before transferring to Florida State after his freshman year. That's when he started to thrive, both as a slot defender and a corner. Receiving a 90.1 grade on PFF for 2023, Jones has established himself as one of the best backfield defenders in the draft class.
Some scouts believe that he needs to improve his technique in various areas. But, if he is there for the Patriots in the fourth round, he is certainly worth drafting.