Texas A&M has over 30 active players in the NFL in 2023, and while names like Myles Garrett and Mike Evans dominate most headlines every Sunday, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who Aggies fans remember as one of the hardest-working players in recent memory, has already notched 7.5 sacks this season.
However, one former Texas A&M defender who has been entirely under the radar this season has quietly put together a dominant rookie campaign, as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones has been putting in the work every week.
According to Colts writer Zach Hicks, in 184 coverage snaps, Jones has only allowed ten receptions for 86 yards on 20 targets. Even more impressive, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey is the only NFL cornerback to allow less than 100 receiving yards on 150 or more coverage snaps this season. That’s pretty darn good for a 2023 7th-round pick.
Colts rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones this season:
10 receptions allowed on 20 targets for just 86 yards in 184 coverage snaps.
Jones and Marlon Humphrey are the only two cornerbacks in the NFL with over 150 coverage snaps to allow fewer than 100 yards receiving
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 6, 2023
Coming out of Cibolo (TX) as one of Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher’s first five-star recruits in the 2020 recruiting class, Jones started all 10 of the Aggies Covid-shortened 2020 campaign while only missing two games during his successful three-year career (2019-2021). In said three seasons, Jones recorded 98 tackles (72 solo tackles), three interceptions, and 12 pass deflections.
Standing at 6-2 and just over 200 pounds, Jones’ ability in press coverage due to his size and length on the boundary is already paying dividends for a Colts defense that may be rebuilding on offense but is consistently looking to add playmakers on defense year after year. Indianapolis deserves credit for banking on Jones’s skill set while many questioned his NFL readiness.
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