2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
12. Browns (from PHI): Sidney Jones, Cornerback
Top Needs: QB, WR, ILB, CB
In best player available (BPA) mode, I’d take Washington Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones if I were the Browns, to help further aid that 32nd-ranked secondary by Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play.
Jones has the length to create a stalwart boundary presence across from star Joe Haden. He’s a bit slight in his build, but that doesn’t stop him from being aggressive in run defense. Jones is an intelligent player that reads opposing pass games well, mirroring his receiver assignments with fluidity, and has the potential to give Cleveland two shutdown man corners.
Jones didn’t allow a single coverage touchdown in 2016, and was targeted just once every nine snaps this season per PFF. He was given a grade of 86.1 in coverage by that site, and has averaged 48.3 tackles, 2.7 interceptions, and 7.0 passes defended annually in a three-year career for the Huskies.