RS12
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From the time Byron Jones was drafted, Cowboys observers have wondered what role he might play in the defense? Would he be a corner? Would he be a safety?
Today, the coaching staff offered a strong hint of the role they see for Jones in 2015, and it’s probably bigger than even the most creative fan considered. In the practice’s first 15 minutes, when the offense and defense move through the day’s script of planned offensive and defensive plays, Jones lined up next to Sean Lee in the nickel as a “linebacker.”
I put the role in quotes because Jones was more of a big safety, the third in a 4-1-6 that featured three cornerbacks and three safeties. Jones played man-to-man in every play, shadowing Jason Witten whereever he went. This tipped that Jones might indeed play the coverage role that’s become necessary against modern flex tight ends like Jimmy Graham. Jones is big enough to ride the faster tight ends and fast enough to keep them in his back pocket.
Later in practice, Jones returned to the linebacker spot, playing inside with Anthony Hitchens, who spelled Sean Lee (more on him later). Most rookies get a short role to rush them onto the field, but Jones, who played exclusively at right corner the first two days, ran the secondary gamut today. He played on the right side early, but played on the left corner later. He also played a true cover two safety, playing a deep half with Jeff Heath.
Jones had his growing pains. He offered strong coverage on most plays but was shaken by James Hanna when he covered the tight end from the linebacker spot
http://cowboyszone.com/2015/08/byron-jones-everywhere-cowboyscamp-day-4.html
Today, the coaching staff offered a strong hint of the role they see for Jones in 2015, and it’s probably bigger than even the most creative fan considered. In the practice’s first 15 minutes, when the offense and defense move through the day’s script of planned offensive and defensive plays, Jones lined up next to Sean Lee in the nickel as a “linebacker.”
I put the role in quotes because Jones was more of a big safety, the third in a 4-1-6 that featured three cornerbacks and three safeties. Jones played man-to-man in every play, shadowing Jason Witten whereever he went. This tipped that Jones might indeed play the coverage role that’s become necessary against modern flex tight ends like Jimmy Graham. Jones is big enough to ride the faster tight ends and fast enough to keep them in his back pocket.
Later in practice, Jones returned to the linebacker spot, playing inside with Anthony Hitchens, who spelled Sean Lee (more on him later). Most rookies get a short role to rush them onto the field, but Jones, who played exclusively at right corner the first two days, ran the secondary gamut today. He played on the right side early, but played on the left corner later. He also played a true cover two safety, playing a deep half with Jeff Heath.
Jones had his growing pains. He offered strong coverage on most plays but was shaken by James Hanna when he covered the tight end from the linebacker spot
http://cowboyszone.com/2015/08/byron-jones-everywhere-cowboyscamp-day-4.html
