Report: Eagles send several coaches to work out Byron Jones
The Eagles remain focused on figuring out how to solve their hole at safety. Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net has reported that the Eagles sent a group of coaches to work out some Connecticut prospects on Friday. One of those coaches was defensive backs coach Cory Undlin.
The big name player they are looking at is Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones. Head coach Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Bill Davis have already attend Jones' pro day, and Jones was also brought in as one of the Eagles' pre-draft visits.
Jones jumped on to the first-round radar after posting some ridiculous numbers at the NFL Combine. Jones was one of the top performers at defensive back in nearly every drill. He showed off straight-line speed, agility, burst, and leaping ability. His 44.5-inch vertical jump was the best of any prospect at the combine.
Jones is not only a physical freak, however. He is a high-character player who serves as Connecticut's team captain in 2014. Jones is a big athlete at 6'1 and 199 pounds and his best trait is his ability in press-man coverage. Davis' defensive scheme often calls for cornerbacks to play press-man on an island with no safety help over the top.
In Davis' scheme, safeties are often tasked with defending slot wide receivers and tight ends. Some draft analysts and scouts believe that Jones is ultimately best suited to play safety at the next level.
Keep an eye on Jones as you track the draft and the Eagles are within striking range of the first-round selection.
(h/t Bleeding Green Nation)
Photo Credit: Glenn Andrews/USA TODAY Sports
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