5 things you should know about Cyrus Jones

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 /
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Cyrus Jones
Sep 12, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; DUPLICATE***Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) tackles Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Jordan Parker (6)at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jones packs a punch

To say the least, Jones wears his 196 pounds thickly. Although he measures in at just a hair under 5-foot-10, Jones plays big, mixing it up with larger receivers in one-on-one coverage. His personality has an edge; Jones asserts himself with words and physicality.

In-depth: Patriots draft review and report card

Jones’ bulk and tackling ability makes him one of the better run supporting cornerbacks in his draft class. He excels at breaking through blocks to come up and engage the running back.

Of course, Jones gets an earful about his diminutive stature. Here’s what he told the Tuscaloosa News about that:

"It does get pretty old. I’m short, man. I’ve been short, I’m gonna stay short and there’s nothing I can do about it. If it really mattered, I don’t think I’d be here.”"

Jones channels that attitude into his performance on the field. As noted by this anonymous NFL executive during the pre-draft process, for Jones, it comes down to respect.

"He thinks everyone is always disrespecting him from media to the other team. I like him. You will never have to worry about his football character while he’s in the league."

In closing, Jones was the best selection the Patriots could have made at No. 60.

Next: Grading Patriots 2016 NFL Draft picks

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for more fresh points of analysis of the Patriots’ 2016 NFL Draft class.