Sidney Jones, cornerback, Washington
Likely the No. 2 cornerback in the draft behind Marshon Lattimore based on talent and tape, Jones will now hear multiple corners called before he ultimately goes off the board. Such is the nature of the beast in a draft process that saw Jones suffer a torn Achilles during the Washington Pro Day last month.
Whatever team selects Jones has to expect a red-shirt season as a rookie in 2017. That in and of itself will push down his stock a great deal. Add in the fact that it’s an injury to the cornerback’s lower body, and this is magnified even further.
Concerns here will include Jones’ ability to regain his top-level athleticism and just how long it might take him to get back to where he was before his injury.
For his part, the former Huskie standout has indicated he’s looking at the same recovery time as Michael Crabtree had when the receiver tore his Achilles as a member of the 49ers back in 2013. Crabtree missed seven months of action and was obviously slowed down when he returned that season.
A seven-month timeline here would put Jones back on the field by November. At that point, it would probably be best for him to sit the entire season out. This will surely push Jones, who was a potential top-15 pick, out of the first round completely.