ASU’s Jack Jones Contending for Starting Role in New England

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, former Sun Devil cornerback Jack Jones is in contention for a starting role in the New England Patriots secondary.

It isn’t every day that a 24-year-old picked 121st overall in the NFL Draft is considered for a starting role in the secondary of arguably the greatest football coach ever to live.

That is the situation for Jack Jones who played part of his college ball right here in Tempe and was an integral part of the Sun Devil defense during his time with the squad.

Starting his college career with Pac-12 rival USC, Jones spent two seasons there before playing one year in JUCO at Moorpark College. 2019 found him transferring to Arizona State University where he would greatly impact the Sun Devil secondary. In 2021, Jones had 6 passes defensed, 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 41 total tackles.

Considered one of the best pure man corners in college football this past season, it was no surprise that he was drafted. His luck was to be drafted to a team coached by one of the greatest defensive minds in football, Bill Belichick.

Reports out of New England’s training camps have been glowing for Jones. There is a question in the Patriots’ secondary after the loss of J.C. Jackson in free agency and there will certainly be a battle to find his replacement.

Jones will have his work cut out for him as he will compete with fellow rookie Marcus Jones (85th overall) and veterans like Terrance Mitchell and Malcolm Butler.

College coach Herm Edwards spoke about Jones to ESPN

In an interview with ESPN, Jones’ college coach Herm Edwards gave some of his thoughts on his former player and his potential fit in New England.

"“It’s a good spot for him [New England], as there will be people there to keep the thumb on him.” – Herm Edwards"

The above quote from Edwards is in reference to previous off-the-field issues that this publication will not be addressing, but nonetheless, it is an endorsement of Jones’ fit with the type of system that Belichick has run throughout his career, no-nonsense.

Edwards also mentioned that Jones is “a very explosive athlete. Very competitive. He has pretty good ball skills, finding and turning and locating the ball.”

Edwards continued:

"“He has good anticipation. Sometimes his eyes get him in trouble, because he’s on a mission to intercept balls and he’ll guess a little bit. And weight-wise [177 pounds], you’d wish he’d be a little bit bigger. But he’s not afraid to tackle. He’ll throw his body at people.” – Herm Edwards"

For his part, Coach Belichick has mentioned that he appreciates that Jones has experience in a pro-style organization which has been one of the hallmarks of the Herm Edwards regime in Tempe since his arrival in 2017.

Another Sun Devil in the NFL

Edwards has prided himself and his program on producing football players ready to enter the next level. He has found success in this and since his arrival, the Arizona State football program has had twelve players selected during the NFL draft, two in the 1st round.

Jones is part of that legacy and will be looking to make his long-term mark on the National Football League this season and for seasons to come.

Good luck Jack and Go Sun Devils!

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