Death. Taxes. The Dolphins signing a rookie contract. These are quickly becoming the certainties in life these days — as the Dolphins’ charge towards a fully signed 2020 NFL Draft class continued yesterday with the team formally agreeing to terms with former Texas safety Brandon Jones. Jones, who Miami drafted with the No. 70 overall selection in April’s NFL Draft, will be one of the more fascinating selections to watch play out early on — mostly because his role in Miami’s defensive backfield isn’t clear and obvious.
But what we do know is that he’s going to be ready to roll when the time comes to strap on the pads.
Signed, sealed, delivered. So thankful to the Miami Dolphins organization for taking a chance on me. Time to get to work! #FinsUp🐬 pic.twitter.com/Y58oJLrz5J
— Brandon Jones (@BlessedJones33) May 12, 2020
Jones’ selection did feel a bit out of left field, especially after the team drafted Noah Igbinoghene (who remains unsigned) in the 1st-round with the 30th overall selection. Will he play free safety? Strong safety? Serve as a third safety on sub-package looks?
Jones received rave reviews for his football intelligence in the pre-draft process, so there isn’t much question that he’s able to mentally handle a slew of roles and responsibilities. And, with a physical play style, he should be able to appeal to Flores’ defense in a number of roles — it is just a matter of where the team seems him assimilating best as a rookie and beyond.
Having set a career high in tackles, interceptions and passes defensed in 2019 as a senior, Jones will now look to transition from mastering his craft at the college level to finding his footing in the pros.