Player Highlight Bryon Jones

            If the Dallas Cowboys want to have a top ten defense they will need to get solid contributions from these young players. This defense needs playmakers very much. Sean Lee is a legit playmaker and easily a top five linebacker in the league. That is where the buck stops. Outside of Lee this defense doesn’t have another player that offenses have to account for. That all must change this year, starting with Bryon Jones.

            Bryon Jones was a combine monster in 2015. He set a record with is broad jump, ran a sub 4.40 forty-yard dash, and had a 40+ in vertical. His physical attributes are chart topping but his production isn’t. Jones has been a good safety in the Cowboys bend but don’t break defense. The scheme doesn’t really allow him to go off script and gamble because he has to back up the average corner backs that the Cowboys have.

            This will be year three for Jones and the Cowboys need a big year from him. Through the first two seasons of his career he has one interception. I won’t place all that blame on him because this defense doesn’t create many turnovers as a unit. With that said one interception in 32 games doesn’t look good for Bryon Jones. Especially considering Jones passes the eye test.

            Bryon Jones does everything good but nothing great. He is only in his third season so I’m hoping that he will turn the corner and be that player maker the Cowboys need him to be. Jones is excellent in the box. He is good in run support, plays tough against tight ends, and uses good instincts when playing centerfield. I rarely see Bryon Jones out of position, or beat by any wide receiver/tight end. I rarely see him making game changing plays either. He isn’t tipping passes up into the air for interceptions. He isn’t anticipating throws and under cutting routes for interceptions. Bryon Jones has to be the playmaker in the secondary that can change the game for the Cowboys.

            Losing Barry Church and JJ Wilcox this offseason put Jones in the position as top veteran at the safety position. He and Scandrick have the most starting experience in this secondary and the young guys will look to both of them for answers. More importantly, Jones will have to account for the inexperience of this young group while preforming his duties. This is a huge year for Jones and I expect him to take it to the next level.

            Coming out of college Jones was a hybrid safety/corner back. His position wasn’t determined until the middle of the 2015 season. Prior to that Jones played slot cornerback, outside cornerback, and some safety. The Cowboys saw him as a safety and made him the full time starter midway through that season. He has only had one offseason focusing on one positions and this will make his second. After starting for a full season and playing on a team that made the playoffs I think Jones understands how important he is to this team. He saw Church and Wilcox leave via free agency, which should let him know that he has a chance to solidify the position and his next contract. It also shows him that the Cowboys trust him enough to bring in some rookies to back him up. I expect a break out year for Bryon Jones. I can see 80 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 12 pass break ups. This defense needs him to step up and he will.