Packers add cornerback project Derrick Jones
With receiver-turned cornerback Kabion Ento nursing a hamstring injury, the Green Bay Packers have claimed another receiver-turned-cornerback prospect.
On Sunday, the Packers claimed cornerback Derrick Jones off waivers from the New York Jets. A sixth-round pick by the Jets in 2017, the 6-foot-2 Jones played in four games in two seasons. Last year, he played only in the finale; according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 3-of-4 passing for 18 yards in 38 snaps against New England.
At Mississippi, Jones bounced back and forth between receiver and cornerback. He started four games at cornerback as a freshman, played both sides of the ball as a sophomore and focused on offense as a junior. It was back to defense for his senior season. For his career, he caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns and broke up six passes on defense. Both career interceptions came as a senior.
“To find a guy that has that kind of length in this day and time who has the skills to play defensive back (is difficult),” former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Dave Wommack said after the 2017 draft. “They're almost all playing wide receiver. I think he's going to be really valuable. I just think he'll keep getting better and better.”
Jones' defensive skills were honed on the practice field at Ole Miss, where he had to contend with Donte Moncrief and Laquan Treadwell.
"Without those guys, I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at right now," Jones said. "They come out and give me the work I need every day."
The transaction leaves the Packers with an 89-man roster. That does not include safety Ibraheim Campbell and outside linebacker Greg Roberts, who are on the physically unable to perform list.
