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Eagles select Sidney Jones in second round of 2017 NFL Draft

By Ryan Quigley

Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to Philadelphia, Sidney Jones!

With their second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have selected Washington cornerback Sidney Jones.

This is a fantastic pick by Howie Roseman and company. The Eagles clearly needed to add a cornerback early in this draft and they got a good one in Jones.

Jones suffered a torn Achilles at his pro day in March. Prior to the injury, however, he was considered by many as the top cornerback in the draft. It seems unlikely he will be healthy by the beginning of the regular season. But when he’s fully recovered, the Eagles will have a true No. 1 cornerback on the outside.

Here is a scouting report on Jones, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Competes all over the field. Doesn’t play pitty-pat with his jam from press. Throws stiff lead right into the shoulder of receivers like a boxer. Maximizes contact with receivers within first five yards. Eyes are top notch. Balances between quarterback’s eyes and his man from all off coverages. Ready to close on throws anywhere near his area. Route magnet. Pattern anticipation allows him to map receivers path and undercut route. Prioritizes ball over man and attacks catch point with slaps and rips. Has nine career interceptions and got a hand on 21.3 percent of balls thrown his way over last two seasons. Early ball tracker with length and leaping to attack the high point. Mirrors receiver acceleration out of their breaks. Twitchy feet for click-and-close transitions and instant change of direction from shuffle technique. Solid recovery quickness.WEAKNESSES: Tore his Achilles tendon at his pro day which will require an extensive rehab process. Carries slender frame. Needs to add upper body strength in preparation for NFL size. Was jostled around by JuJu Schuster-Smith out of press coverage and at the top of the route. Scouts like his quickness but worry about his ability to carry speed down the field. Gets impatient from press. Loses positioning by reaching and lunging to get hands on receiver rather than letting the release come to him. Can still improve his transition footwork. Fights his hips a little when flipping to change direction in open field. Physical receivers can wall him out of tackle action in run support."

The Eagles still have six picks remaining in the draft. With a major hole remaining at running back, could the Eagles be in play for Joe Mixon?

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