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Marcus Jones Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report


Cornerback, Houston Cougars #8

Marcus Jones Measurements

5’8” / 185 lbs

40 Time: 4.45 (Estimate)

Marcus Jones NFL Draft Player Profile

Marcus Jones was a three star recruit by ESPN and Rivals coming out of Enterprise, Alabama. As a senior, he was named 7A All-State first team by the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association. Jones was also tabbed to AL.com’s Super All-State team. His senior season saw him finish with 27 tackles and five interceptions. Marcus also had three punts returned for touchdowns, a kickoff returned for a touchdown, a fumble returned for a touchdown and a receiving touchdown. This followed a junior season with 50 tackles, three interceptions, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, eight pass breakups and another interception returned for a touchdown.

College

Jones actually started his collegiate career at Troy University. During his true freshman season he would become the school’s second All-American selection since moving up to the FBS level. He was also tabbed as the Sun Belt Conference’s Player of the Year. Marcus also was named to the All-Sun Belt second team as both a return specialist and all-purpose player. In his freshman season alone, he set a Troy single-season record and tied a career record for kickoffs returned for touchdowns (3). He would eventually set the school record for touchdown returns during his sophomore season. Afterwards, he was named to the All-Sun Belt first team as a return specialist, and second team as a cornerback.

Transfer

Jones would transfer to the University of Houston and sat out the 2019 season. After the 2020 season, he once again found himself with several awards. Phil Steele, FWAA, and CBS/247Sports all had him as a first team All-American. Marcus was also first team American All-Conference. This was all as a return specialist. He also earned fourth team All-American from PFF as a cornerback. This season Jones would finish with 47 tackles (36 solo), 13 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and five interceptions. He would return another two kickoffs for touchdowns, as well as two punts. This has helped Houston to an 11-2 record and a #20 national ranking.

For his career, Marcus has 154 tackles (112 solo), 31 pass breakups, a forced fumble and 10 interceptions. He’s returned 65 punts for 875 yards (13.46 average) and two touchdowns. His kick return numbers are 72 returns for 2,075 yards (28.81 average) and six touchdowns.

On a more personal note, Jones also picked up a love of music from his dad. When he’s not on the football field, Marcus produces, makes his own beats and raps on his tracks. While he doesn’t play his music around his teammates, they have taken a liking to the few songs he’s released. Even Cougar head coach Dana Holgorsen says he’s a fan, “He’s talented. He’s got some music out there that’s really really good.”

Marcus Jones Strengths


Athleticism

This shouldn’t really even have been a question. If you watch Jones play, his athleticism jumps at you. First thing that jumps at you is his speed. He can easily run with any receiver and stays connected at the hip. His acceleration is quite impressive as well. He has nice fluid hips. Jones has no issue going from a smooth backpedal to turning and running with the receiver. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he’s a threat to take it back, regardless of if on special teams or defense.

Versatility

If you’re looking at what a player can bring to a team, not many are going to bring everything Jones does. He’s a solid defensive back, and will immediately upgrade the return game of just about any NFL team. Defensively, he has the ability to play both outside and inside on the slot. Marcus has shown that he’s comfortable and competent in both man and zone coverages as well.

2021 NCAA National Championship Game

Houston DB Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones Weaknesses


Undersized

Standing at just 5’8”, Jones is going to give up a few inches on most NFL receivers. The average NFL wide receiver is 6’1”. That’s five inches on average that he’ll be giving up to the guys he’s covering. Also take into consideration that the average height for a NFL cornerback is 5’11”. While he’s held his own during his college career, that still has to be a concern for NFL teams.

Ball Skills

This is probably the biggest issue I have with Marcus’ game. While I’ve seen others talk about his great ball skills, I have to disagree. Yes, Jones has had a nice season with five interceptions this season, but numbers can be deceiving. When I watch him play, I see someone that struggled with the deep jump ball throws. I don’t know if it was simply a size issue, or if he has trouble tracking the ball in the air on those throws. This would concern me given the NFL trend of throwing up a ball in hopes of getting a pass interference call.

Marcus Jones Draft Stock

Jones wasn’t a name you heard much buzz about before the season started, at least not as a cornerback prospect. He’s had a great senior season, and with Houston’s success he has gained more attention. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Marcus is currently rated as the 101st overall prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. That’s a jump from 476th at the beginning of November.

Final Thoughts on Marcus Jones

I think that Jones is an interesting prospect, but it’s mainly because of what I believe he can bring to a team in terms of return ability. He’s a good defensive back, but not a great defensive back. In terms of cornerback skills he’s not close to the likes of Derek Stingley Jr. or Ahmad Gardner. For me personally, if he wasn’t a return specialist I would have a late Day 3 grade on him. His size concerns me, the ball skills as well, and I didn’t even touch on him not jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. But you have to consider the entire package, and his return skills are elite. Because of that, I could see teams taking him later on Day 2.

Marcus Jones NFL Comparison

Jones is a great returner, who could improve in his coverage skills. I could see him as a little shorter Devin Hester when Hester came out of college.

Marcus Jones Draft Prospect Report / Scouting Report by Brandon Claburn