It looks like the Colts have found a long-term starter at outside cornerback, which initially had a lot of uncertainty.
It’s been a rather disappointing campaign for the 2024 Indianapolis Colts, who sitting at 7-8, are on the outside, looking in—and in addition to winning out, need a lot of outside help to extend their season with a playoff berth.
If there has been a few silver linings for these Colts, one of them has to have been 2nd-year cornerback Jaylon Jones, who’s had a breakout sophomore season.
While there was a lot of uncertainty entering the season in the Indy secondary at starting outside cornerback, the former 2023 7th round pick of the Colts has done his part to solidify the position (along with offseason roster claimee Samuel Womack III):
Some under the radar CB’s that are having a breakout year 2:
Garrett Williams (Cardinals) – One of the better slot corners. Allowing a 74.6 RTG when targeted which is the 14th best out of 107 CBs with 200 coverage snaps
Jaylon Jones (Colts) – 6’2 with a long frame and is very… pic.twitter.com/hdo8VDaWq2
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) December 26, 2024
Top 32 CBs ranked using PFFs new advanced coverage grade
Cov Grade = Advanced Coverage Grade
Run Grade = Run Defense Grade
Rush Grade = Pass Rush Grade pic.twitter.com/YB13BCUgi9— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) December 27, 2024
Specifically, Jones has 85 tackles (59 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 12 passes defensed, and a forced fumble during 15 starts in 2024. Per PFF, he’s been targeted 75 times for 48 receptions (64.0 completion %), 626 passing yards (13.0 ypr. avg.), an allowed touchdown reception, two interceptions, and an opposing passer rating of 83.5.
It’s too early to call, but honestly, Jones initial career arc is starting to remind me a bit of Jack Doyle’s with the Colts.
No, Jones wasn’t an undrafted free agent like Doyle, but he was a late round pick of Indianapolis, and so far, he’s outplayed two of the cornerbacks who were selected ahead of him in the same draft class, Darius Rush (2023 5th round pick of the Colts that was later waived, partially because of Jones’ offseason emergence as a rookie) and JuJu Brents (2023 2nd round pick of the Colts).
Taking a step back in time. Both Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen were 2012 2nd and 3rd round picks of the Colts respectively, while Doyle was claimed off waivers in 2013 from the Tennessee Titans a year later.
That being said, Doyle ultimately outlasted those other guys out, and it looks as though Jones may be the one getting that 2nd contract with the Colts if things continue to play out at their current rate—with Brents’ availability being significantly limited by re-occurring injuries during his first two seasons in the league.
Maybe that’s a stretch, but Jones appears to be a name to watch for the Colts secondary going forward—especially as the 22-year-old cornerback only continues to improve.
