NFL Draft Profile: Nic Jones, Cornerback, Ball State Cardinals
In this story:
Nic Jones
Ball State Cardinals
#85
Pos: CB
Ht: 6000
Wt: 189
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7668
40: 4.51
DOB: 10/15/2001
Hometown: Detroit, MI
High School: Southfield A&T
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Jones was a highly productive corner in his one season with significant snaps for Ball State, but he lacks the speed and strength to contribute on an NFL defense immediately.
Evaluation:
Jones took official measurements at the Shrine Bowl. He’s 5116 and weighs 191 lbs. He has 9 7/8-inch hands, 32 1/4-inch arms, and a 77 5/8-inch wingspan. Jones primarily aligned to the left side of Ball State’s defense, regardless of whether it was the boundary or field side. He gained significant experience in press coverage with the Cardinals while almost evenly splitting his coverage reps between man and zone concepts. Jones has significant special teams experience on the kick return, punt return, punt coverage, and field goal block units. If he sees the field early in his NFL career, it will likely come as a special teamer. He has some experience and upside returning kicks and is a legitimate threat to block punts. Jones primarily played outside corner over the past three years, but he gained significant experience as a slot corner during his freshman season. Physically, Jones has long arms, fairly fluid hips, and adequate foot speed. He displays above-average ball skills at the catch point. Jones showcases instincts in zone coverage and has a strong understanding of his responsibility in these concepts. He has an impressive understanding of leverage and knows how to put himself in position to deter or break up passes. Jones reads the quarterback’s eyes to jump routes. The All-MAC cornerback is patient in press to avoid losing early in the rep but is also willing to be physical with receivers early in the route. He compresses outside releases along the sideline. Jones anticipates and fights through blocks to counter wide receiver screens. Unfortunately, the Michigan native only has one season with more than 300 defensive snaps under his belt. He committed five penalties in 2022. The former three-star recruit battles some physical limitations. He has a lean frame and lacks deep speed and recovery speed to handle burners. Jones’ combination of speed and strength looked much more dominant against MAC competition than against Tennessee in 2022. The Volunteers employ a lot of plays and principles that put defenses at a disadvantage. Even looking beyond the benefits of Tennessee’s scheme, it was clear some Volunteer receivers possessed significant speed and strength advantages over Jones. Even at a lower competition level, Jones struggled with missed tackles. He dives low on ball carriers instead of wrapping up and sometimes slides off tackles because of his limited play strength. The fourth-year junior takes questionable angles to the football as a run defender. He struggles to fight through or disengage from wide receiver blocks. Jones can be physically outmatched at the catch point by larger receivers, especially in the red zone. His punches in press coverage need to be firmer and more accurate. Jones gives receivers a significant cushion in off man, sometimes surrendering the first down without a fight. He bites on double moves and gets turned around. Jones’ speed prevents him from consistently staying attached to crossing routes. He frequently doesn’t get his head around for the ball. Jones is quick to open his hips, which allows wide receivers to cross his face and turn him around. He currently projects as a mid to late day three pick who sees action early in his career as a versatile special teamer and reserve hybrid nickel/field corner.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Out of Detroit, Michigan, Nic Jones was a three-star recruit after playing two years of varsity football in high school. Jones joined the Ball State Cardinals in 2019, started in 2 of 12 games played mainly as a nickel corner, and totaled 18 tackles and 4 pass breakups. For his sophomore season, Jones started in 1 of 8 games played in the Cardinals' secondary and special teams and finished with 6 tackles and a blocked punt. His 2021 season was cut short due to a season-ending injury but accumulated 13 tackles, 1 pass break-up, and 1 interception before missing time. In 2022, Jones improved his production as a redshirt Junior, finishing with 22 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. Following this season, he earned Second Team All-MAC honors.
