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Grading the Philadelphia Eagles’ selection of Sidney Jones

By Ryan Quigley

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) celebrates after the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) celebrates after the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sidney Jones could end up being the Philadelphia Eagles’ best selection of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Washington cornerback Sidney Jones with their No. 43 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Going into the draft, it was pretty clear that the Eagles needed to add at least one cornerback to their bottom-dwelling secondary. Jalen Mills had a rollercoaster season as a rookie and newly acquired Patrick Robinson isn’t even guaranteed a starting job.

With Jones now in the fold, however, the Eagles’ group of cornerbacks is set to take a jump forward. When that will happen remains to be seen.

Back in March, Jones tore his Achilles at Washington’s pro day, which is why he fell out of the first round. Prior to his injury, he was considered by many as the top corner in the draft. And it’s not hard to see why.

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In 2016, he didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Focus. He recorded nine interceptions in three seasons at Washington and has even drawn comparisons to former teammate Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jones thinks he will be running by June and ready to play by September. According to Howie Roseman, however, the team is in no rush to get Jones on the field. He even said it’s possible Jones may not even play in 2017. While it would be unfortunate to go the whole season without Jones, the Eagles are being smart with him. It would do them no good to play him before he’s completely ready.

Despite the injury, this is a phenomenal pick for the Eagles. Jones is a playmaker who Philadelphia will be able to trust in the secondary for a long time.

Grade: A-

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