Musket Fire
FanSided

5 things you should know about Cyrus Jones

By Connor Fulton

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt that would result in a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) returns a punt that would result in a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Cyrus Jones
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball while defended by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) during the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jones is an outstanding punt returner

Jones could very well be the best punt returner in the 2016 NFL Draft class. As a senior, Jones exploded in the punt return game, handling 42 punts and turning that into 530 yards and four touchdowns. He recorded a punt return touchdown against Mississippi State and Michigan State and registered a pair of scores via punt returns against Charleston Southern.

Quick thoughts on 2016 NFL Draft class

Again, here’s Jones speaking to the Boston Globe, this time about the art of returning punts:

"I returned punts in high school and I was pretty good at it. I just had that knack for just finding creases and being able to see where to cut at and I had good vision always. That ability just increased in college, and as I got more comfortable I started to have more success over time and I had my best year my senior year. I think, like you said, that’s going to be a big way for me to get on the field early next season."

As noted by Jeff Howe of the Providence Journal, Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio was very interested in Jones’ punt returning.

Jones taking more responsibility on punt returns would translate into decreased injury risk for offensive keystones Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

Next: 1. Jones packs a punch

Home/Patriots News