Sidney Jones has a first-round grade from many NFL Draft experts. The Washington Huskies cornerback set out to validate those evaluations on his Pro Day on Saturday. Instead, he left with a bevy of new concerns. That's what happens when a stretcher needs to carry you off the field at the end of your workout after a leg injury.
Pro Day problem
Jones went through most of his Pro Day without a hitch. It wasn't until one of his final drills of the session that tragedy struck. As he tried to escape his backpedal on a drill, he immediately started favoring his left leg before collapsing to the ground.
He began grabbing his underside, clearly already knowing that something terrible was amiss as teammate Budda Baker and coach Chris Petersen helped him get to his feet.
The enduring image of his Pro Day will be being taken out of the building on a cart, as he was eventually taken to a local hospital - no diagnosis has been made as of yet. Baker discussed afterwards how unfortunate this was for his friend, who was projected to be one of the top cornerbacks taken off the board in April's NFL Draft. That may still be the case, but Jones will now have to prove his injury won't hinder him at the next level.
Pro fits
The best fit for Jones in the first round would have been the Philadelphia Eagles. The team is in desperate need for cornerback help and could be looking at rookies at both starting spots if they choose to deal away members of their defensive backfield, as has been suggested.
The injury at his Pro Day may adversely effect the team's desire to draft him that early, though.
If the Eagles do choose to take him, they'll be getting a talented prospect for the secondary. Jones made the All-Pac 12 team twice during his three year career at Washington. He recorded 145 tackles, eight interceptions and six forced fumbles over those three years, always creating big plays. Philadelphia would be wise to wait out the first round after his Pro Day injury and see if they can grab him in the second round, depending on the diagnosis.
