News: Deji Olatoye gets start for Cowboys, a telling sign on Byron Jones

[perrykemp]

Nobody is forgetting it, they are just withholding details to paint the picture they want. These are probably the same people who hated him predraft or at the pick and can't let it go.

Why doe it have to be so extreme? Why can't we have a open conversation about a player without it degenerating into accusations of bias?

I wasn't one of them, however, I suspect folks who didn't like the pick of Byron Jones looked at his lack of splash plays @ UCon (less than 2 interceptions per year, 0 forced fumbles in 4 years, only 1 fumble recovery in 4 years, 0 sacks over 4 years, and only 5 passes defensed per year) and wondered if that would translate in the NFL. So far Jones has 0 interceptions, 0 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries, 0 sacks, and just 8 passes defensed (zero in the past 4 games).

Looking back at the draft scuttlebut about Jones and you see two themes emerge -- one is that he turned in an absolute monster combine. The other is some whispers of "Workout warrior" -- which isn't shocking when you compare his physical measurables vs his actual lack of production at UConn.

I think the fact that his general inability to get his hands on the ball has extended now from college to his first year in the pro's is at least an interesting data point. It doesn't mean that it has to be that way going forward, however, there is a definite trend there.

 

[The Natural]

why not?

You guys arent tired of spending those early picks on corners yet?

 

[ScipioCowboy]

The Cowboys only have two cornerback interceptions on the season. Both have come from bottom roster guys making their first start. That speaks volumes about what the regular starters are being coached to do.

 

[KJJ]

But Claiborne was supposed to be the best corner since Deion?

Still can't figure out how Deion comparisons were being made with Claiborne who ran a 4.52 at the combine. I can't recall any top rated corner who consistently ran in the 4.5 range. Could never understand how Claiborne had such a high draft grade not having top flight speed. I remember the day he was drafted someone posted his 40 time and we all thought it was a mistake.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Still can't figure out how Deion comparisons were being made with Claiborne who ran a 4.52 at the combine. I can't recall any top rated corner who consistently ran in the 4.5 range. Could never understand how Claiborne had such a high draft grade not having top flight speed. I remember the day he was drafted someone posted his 40 time and we all thought it was a mistake.

He wasn't compared to Deion, they said he had the highest grade since Deion, which is not the same thing

 

[KJJ]

He wasn't compared to Deion, they said he had the highest grade since Deion, which is not the same thing

A few took off on that and did make comparisons to Deion. I don't see how he could have been graded out as high as he was.

 

[JoeKing]

I don't think the Cowboys are making it any secret that they plan to have BJones settle down as the FS rather than having him rotating positions all the time.

 

[KJJ]

Another reason some were comparing Claiborne to Deion was some scouting reports stated Claiborne wasn't physical and didn't like to tackle so the Cowboys traded up to #6 overall for a corner who was slow and wasn't physical. Here's an interesting thread that was started after Mo's rookie season with many predicting who would have the better career Mo, Tyrann Mathieu or Patrick Peterson. Not trying to embarrass anyone but you can clearly see the bias with some while others sensed Mo might not be everything he was graded out to be.

http://cowboyszone.com/threads/claiborne-mathieu-or-peterson.261966/

 

[Bcrav4]

Given how many positions he has played this season, he's done a very good job. Someone mentioned him thinking too much out there, but imagine how much time he spends in the film room just learning all his assignments. And with all the moving he clearly hasn't even gotten used to the speed of the game yet.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

Jones needs an offseason where he works at one single position before we can see what he can become in the NFL. I think the game will slow down for him and he will turn out to be a really good Free Safety in this league.

 

[AzorAhai]

Why doe it have to be so extreme? Why can't we have a open conversation about a player without it degenerating into accusations of bias?

I wasn't one of them, however, I suspect folks who didn't like the pick of Byron Jones looked at his lack of splash plays @ UCon (less than 2 interceptions per year, 0 forced fumbles in 4 years, only 1 fumble recovery in 4 years, 0 sacks over 4 years, and only 5 passes defensed per year) and wondered if that would translate in the NFL. So far Jones has 0 interceptions, 0 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries, 0 sacks, and just 8 passes defensed (zero in the past 4 games).

Looking back at the draft scuttlebut about Jones and you see two themes emerge -- one is that he turned in an absolute monster combine. The other is some whispers of "Workout warrior" -- which isn't shocking when you compare his physical measurables vs his actual lack of production at UConn.

I think the fact that his general inability to get his hands on the ball has extended now from college to his first year in the pro's is at least an interesting data point. It doesn't mean that it has to be that way going forward, however, there is a definite trend there.

Because you have people who flat out refuse to give him props for a good rookie season and making dumb comments. One even calling him just a JAG. So yes, when people make completely ignorant comments I'm not going to worry about the debate, because that would be a waste of time.

 

[perrykemp]

Because you have people who flat out refuse to give him props for a good rookie season and making dumb comments. One even calling him just a JAG. So yes, when people make completely ignorant comments I'm not going to worry about the debate, because that would be a waste of time.

Well, for the record I think that going into his 2nd year I think Jones will be the best pure athlete playing FS in the NFL. I think that athleticism, all by itself, can carry him a long way. He just needs to find a way to get his hands on the ball.

 

[AzorAhai]

Well, for the record I think that going into his 2nd year I think Jones will be the best pure athlete playing FS in the NFL. I think that athleticism, all by itself, can carry him a long way. He just needs to find a way to get his hands on the ball.

I agree. It wasn't directed at you. He's still got some improvement to do, and he's by no means a sure thing to turn into a great player. Someone calling him a JAG is just dumb though. He had a very good season for a rookie in the circumstances he was in. If someone can't at least give him props for that, it's either bias, lack of football knowledge or unrealistic expectations. I was in the didn't want him pre draft area. He won me over though and I have high hopes for him going forward.

 

[TrailBlazer]

As I've said all along, Byron is best suited as a center fielder type safety. He needs to be facing the QB reading his eyes instead of trying to cover quick outside receivers. He can do it, but that's not his game and not the best way to utilize his athleticism.

 

[LatinMind]

Deji Olatoye gets start for Cowboys, a telling sign on Byron Jones
http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d...e-gets-start-cowboys-telling-sign-byron-jones

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Cowboys provided another indication Sunday of where they plan to play first-round pick Byron Jones next season.

Jones started at safety despite cornerback Morris Claiborne being inactive with a hamstring injury. A week ago, Jones started at cornerback with Claiborne out and gave up a 43-yard pass in the final minute that set up the Jets' game-winning field goal. Jones said after the game he should have been playing off instead of being in press coverage.

With Jones at safety, the Cowboys started undrafted rookie Deji Olatoye at cornerback in place of Claiborne.

Olatoye came up with a big play in the final seconds of the second quarter. The Bills had third-and-2 from the Dallas 5, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor lobbed a pass to the right corner of the end zone.

"Any time you get a takeaway it's a big thing," Olatoye said. "It's really an honor. I just made the play when it came toward me."...

I been saying this. He was only playing CB because the option was playing Patmon outside. Dallas brought in 2 guys and they were able to handle it. Jones is so much better playing FS.

 

[mattjames2010]

I haven't seen anything that makes me think he is "soft".

My main concern is Jones has yet to display much ball awareness in his 1st year and very often ball awareness, especially for a DB, is something that some guys have and some guys just don't.

I think Jones still has the potential to be a top echelon FS because he is such a phenomenal athlete, however, those ball skills will need to improve if he is going to be truly elite.

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/CREbHHLWEAAGaP9.mp4

He's 6'1 and plays like he's 5'8 an underweight.

 

[Redball Express]

I haven't seen anything that makes me think he is "soft".

My main concern is Jones has yet to display much ball awareness in his 1st year and very often ball awareness, especially for a DB, is something that some guys have and some guys just don't.

I think Jones still has the potential to be a top echelon FS because he is such a phenomenal athlete, however, those ball skills will need to improve if he is going to be truly elite.

I think he needs an offseason where he lays only one position.

FS would be ideal.

Glad they finally made the committment for him.

 

[waving monkey]

You guys arent tired of spending those early picks on corners yet?

thats your reason?

 

[The Natural]

thats your reason?

I'm going to take that as a "no"

 

[tyke1doe]

Why doe it have to be so extreme? Why can't we have a open conversation about a player without it degenerating into accusations of bias?

I wasn't one of them, however, I suspect folks who didn't like the pick of Byron Jones looked at his lack of splash plays @ UCon (less than 2 interceptions per year, 0 forced fumbles in 4 years, only 1 fumble recovery in 4 years, 0 sacks over 4 years, and only 5 passes defensed per year) and wondered if that would translate in the NFL. So far Jones has 0 interceptions, 0 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries, 0 sacks, and just 8 passes defensed (zero in the past 4 games).

Looking back at the draft scuttlebut about Jones and you see two themes emerge -- one is that he turned in an absolute monster combine. The other is some whispers of "Workout warrior" -- which isn't shocking when you compare his physical measurables vs his actual lack of production at UConn.

I think the fact that his general inability to get his hands on the ball has extended now from college to his first year in the pro's is at least an interesting data point. It doesn't mean that it has to be that way going forward, however, there is a definite trend there.

I disagree with you on Byron Jones, but I can understand your hesitancy, and I appreciate the way you've argued your opinion and supported your position with reasonable data.