The difference between the two, though, was that Novacek was a classic overachiever, an undersized TE from a disregarded program (Wyoming) who had accounted himself well with the Cards who was picked up by Dallas for pennies as a Plan B free agent. Jones is a physical freak of size and speed, a high draft pick from the SEC who is a classic underachiever, whose rep coming out of college was that he was not a hard worker and was regarded as a high-risk pick. From the Sporting News draft guide from 2005:
"His attitude toward the game is questionable. Struggled to read coverages as a passer, so grasping how to run routes might take time." Also, "Jones should be drafted in the fourth round [he went in the first round, IIRC], but a team might gamble on him as high as the third round." One of those guys who had a great Combine and nice Senior Bowl, and whose measurables were just frighteningly compelling. By this point, though, it just looks like the guy can't play. I'd use the old sour-milk analogy: putting it back in the fridge won't make it fresh.
