Matt Miller Mock Draft Player Preview: Sidney Jones

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The Detroit Lions Are Projected To Take Sidney Jones With The Number 29 Pick In The 2017 NFL Draft.


This series is to give a look at who Matt Miller, NFL Draft Lead Writer from Bleacher Report, has us taking in his mock drafts as the season goes on. We will be breaking down who we “take” and if the player would be a good or bad fit for the team.

In his first Mock Draft, Matt Miller had us picking sixth and taking linebacker Jabrill Peppers from the University of Michigan. Next he had us taking Malik McDowell, defensive lineman from Michigan State. A week later he had us taking Jamal Adams, safety from LSU, and for the past few weeks he had us locked in with Malik McDowell. In the last two weeks he had defensive lineman Caleb Brantley from Florida in the first round.

With the newest mock he has Detroit taking Sidney Jones, a cornerback from Washington.

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Does Sidney Jones Fill A Need?

Yes and no. Detroit does need help in the secondary with a lack of depth at the cornerback position. Sidney Jones is a tall cornerback that could play alongside Darius Slay, moving Nevin Lawson to the slot where it is a better fit for him. This cornerback class is deep in depth, so while Detroit will need help, taking a cornerback in the first round isn’t the best idea for the team, as it isn’t the teams biggest need.

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Is Sidney Jones A Good Or Bad Fit?

Sidney Jones would be a good fit for Detroit. With multiple good linebackers and defensive lineman coming off the board, Jones is the best player available for the Lions at pick number 29. Jones is six foot tall and can lineup on the outside. His man coverage skills are impressive, but it could improve and become better. A thing that he struggles with is breaking off blockers. Once he is wrapped up and held he can’t break free for the tackle.

Jones so far this season has 37 tackles, two and a half for loss, two interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Jones can help Slay with the outside coverage and would make the secondary in Detroit more powerful. The secondary right now is impressive with the good play by Slay, Lawson, Quin, Wilson and Bush. Adding Jones would give some depth to a position on the team that only has four active cornerbacks on the team right now. Jones to Detroit isn’t the best pick, but with what was given in his mock draft Jones is the man.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @BKnappBlogs, find me on Reddit at /u/sportsguy4life and share your thoughts on the Detroit Lions subreddit.

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About the Author

Brandon Knapp
Brandon Knapp is a senior at Central Michigan University, majoring in Journalism, minoring in Sports Management. He was born and raised in the city of Marysville, MI. He also writes for myfantasysportstalk.com and covers the Michigan Wolverines Football team (his other love). Brandon also enjoys watching the Detroit Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers.