Don Jones to Dolphins: How Does the DB Fit with Miami?
The Miami Dolphins closed out their 2013 NFL draft by taking a little-known safety prospect named Don Jones.
Hailing from Arkansas State—current Dolphin Kelcie McCray's former school—Jones brings depth to a position of need for the Dolphins.
He is a hybrid safety, not likely to be utilized as a cornerback due to the glut at the position.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Role
Expecting anything out of a seventh-round draft pick is asking for disappointment, but there may be something to Jeff Ireland's late-round drafting prowess.
Jimmy Wilson and Brandon Fields both hail from the seventh round. Of course, there are plenty of players Miami has drafted late who have not panned out.
Jones has one asset that you can't teach: speed. The 5'11" defensive back runs a 4.4 40-yard dash, an enviable trait for many other prospects.
He has great overall athleticism, jumping 42 inches and 127 inches in the vertical and broad jumps, respectively, at his pro day. Jones also put up 17 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
Roster Fit
His physical attributes could keep him in contention for a roster spot.
It is difficult to say what role Jones might have on the team as a rookie other than a practice squad body. The Dolphins might not have a ton of depth at the safety position, but they may not have the roster spot.
Early Projections
If he makes the squad—and that is a big "if"—it will be almost exclusively as a special-teamer. That means he will have a handful of tackles on the year.
It is far more likely he will wind up on the practice squad his first season, after which the Dolphins will evaluate his status on the team.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
