As the 2020 NFL Draft inches closer, mock drafts start to appear a bit more realistic.
Safety Brandon Jones remains the highest-ranked prospect from Texas in terms of where he’s projected to be selected. Although much of the hype surrounds receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson, Jones is still widely expected to be the first Longhorn off the board.
If it weren’t for a loaded wide receiver class this year, Johnson and Duvernay would likely surpass Jones. On CBS Sports draft prospect rankings, Duvernay is listed as the No. 79 overall player, while Jones sits at No. 120 overall. Johnson rounds out the trio at No. 127.
Draft Wire recently released their latest four-round projections, Jones was the only Texas player included. He was mocked to the Carolina Panthers with the No. 103 overall selection. He’s a very physical, relentless player with exceptional tackling abilities that could potentially start at strong safety at the next level.
Back like I never left. pic.twitter.com/JbO2VhJRPP
— Brandon Jones (@BlessedJones33) February 20, 2020
Our colleagues at the Draft Wire also ranked Jones as the No. 6 safety available ahead of April’s draft. The fourth-year defensive back appeared in 42 career games for Texas, making 31 starts.
As a senior, Jones started eight games for the Longhorns, where he led the team with 55 tackles. The 6-0, 205-pound do-it-all safety finished his Texas career with 202 total tackles.
Although Jones missed the Senior Bowl due to injury, he could sneak into the third round with impressive performances at the NFL Combine and Pro Day. In the meantime, he’s been absorbing whatever information he can off the field.
According to Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller, Jones made the most of his time recovering from shoulder surgery by studying every NFL teams defensive plays from 2019.
When @BlessedJones33 had 8 weeks of rehab from a routine labrum surgery ahead of him he did something I’ve never heard of—he broke down every NFL teams defensive plays from 2019 https://t.co/P8Z88Bcect
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 21, 2020
Current Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger also expressed his respect towards Jones, stating how he’s incredibly dedicated to his craft.
He hasn’t answered any of my calls because he’s been breaking down film for 6-7 hours everyday after rehabbing all morning!🤯 #professional @BlessedJones33 https://t.co/HAG6g3o5No
— Sam Ehlinger (@sehlinger3) February 21, 2020
Jones has made an exceptional impact with the Longhorns both on and off the field, his unmatched work ethic will be intriguing to organizations throughout the interview process at the NFL Combine.