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Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

By Connor Fulton

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots draft Cyrus Jones
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

 

Start your Tuesday off by seeing the likelihood each member of the New England Patriots’ 2016 draft class has of making the final roster.

Round 2, Pick 29 (No. 60 overall) – Cyrus Jones

The lowdown: Perhaps the best punt returner in his draft class, Jones may be a bit undersized for an NFL cornerback at just under 5-foot-10 but he is extremely physical and possesses outstanding ball skills.

5 things you should know about Cyrus Jones

Where he could fit: Nickel cornerback. The Patriots had a revolving door at this position last year, with Justin Coleman, Leonard Johnson and Rashaan Melvin experiencing varying degrees of mediocrity as the No. 3 corner. Considering his size, prowess in run defense and ability to work in tight spaces, Jones has nickel written all over him.

Who he will be competing against: In addition to Coleman (Melvin and Johnson have been released), Jones will be fighting against sophomore pro Darryl Roberts and veteran E.J. Biggers for the roster spots behind Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan.

Immediate reaction to Patriots selecting Cyrus Jones  

Roster chances: 9.5/10. It’s extremely unlikely that the Patriots will cut their first selection of the 2016 NFL Draft. Barring some type of catastrophic meltdown in training camp, Jones will be penciled-in to the cornerback depth chart and he will be given every opportunity to share punt returning duties with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

Next: No. 78 overall - Joe Thuney

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