Grading All Day 2 NFL Draft picks after Patriots add key depth

Round 3, Pick 85: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

Jones is going to have some doubters due to his diminutive 5-8 frame and shoulder injuries. If those critics can look past those two flaws, they will see that Jones is one of the best turnover generators in the draft. Not too bad for a team that just lost out on JC Jackson in the offseason.

Jones recorded 10 interceptions in four seasons, including five last year. Jones is sticky in man coverage, aggressive enough to make plays on the ball despite his size, and elusive enough as a ball carrier to be one of the best young return men in the game. Jones’ injury risk stopped him from potentially going top 50.

Marcus Jones will improve the New England Patriots’ secondary.

Jones, who saw some time as a wide receiver due to injuries at the position this year, is one of the best athletes available on Day 2. Belichick has had some success with plugging some quality athletes that are undersized into his system, so Jones might be in line for a very quick ascension up the depth chart.

Jones will likely need to be in the slot to start out, receiving a starting outside role when he adds a bit more weight and proves himself as a tackler. If he checks those boxes, Jones might end up being one of the best win-now moves we’ve seen in the second or third round.

Grade: A-