Recent history has seen Dabo Swinney and the Clemson football program producing top-tier cornerbacks that have shown the capability of making a difference at the next level.
According to a recently published list of PFF’s 2023 NFL Draft breakout candidates at DB, Clemson cornerback Sheridan Jones is one of the names to look out for as a potential breakout player for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here’s what Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings had to say about Jones and his potential breakout:
With Andrew Booth Jr. and Mario Goodrich leaving, the Clemson cornerback room will need a new top dog. Sheridan Jones is easily the leading candidate, and it’s a role that could vault him into the upper echelon of the 2023 NFL Draft cornerback class.
Jones, now a senior, is one of the oldest members of Clemson’s cornerback room. He also happens to be one of the most naturally gifted defensive backs the Tigers have. Jones was the 108th-ranked recruit in the 2019 class, with offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Ohio State. He’s always had the talent. He’s gained the experience over time. And now, he has the opportunity to emerge.
Jones does still have some refinement left to undergo. He could stand to respond quicker to breaks at times, and he can be overly physical when matching receivers. But Jones is an explosive athlete with good length who effortlessly sinks his hips on direction changes. It’s early, but he could be the next cornerback out of the Clemson pipeline.
As Andrew Booth and Mario Goodrich depart, it is now time for Jones to step up and be the guy for this Clemson defense. The veteran corner enters 2022 credited with 52 tackles (1.5 for loss), eight pass breakups, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 855 defensive snaps over 38 games (11 starts).
Jones has had his moments but still has a lot of work to refine his game for the next level. He’s got the athleticism you look for in a cornerback one and has the opportunity to display it completely next season.
Look out for Sheridan Jones next season.
Sheridan Jones (@SJones6_), CB, #Clemson
“Jones is an explosive athlete with good length who effortlessly sinks his hips on direction changes.”
Read all the breakout candidates here ⤵️https://t.co/8yHXS60G2Rpic.twitter.com/zCLb67oC62
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) May 14, 2022
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