Indianapolis Colts rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones has rarely been talked about this season, but that's actually a positive thing. When it comes to defensive backs, and more specifically cornerbacks, being talked about is more often than not a bad thing as opposed to a good thing.
By contrast, when players such as Stephon Gilmore, Jalen Ramsey, etc are talked about, it's due to a high level of play. The difference is massive, though the philosophy remains the same: if you're a cornerback who is receiving consistent feedback, you're either playing very well or very poorly.
When you're never talked about, yet you're starting and/or playing the majority of games, chances are you're balling out. When it comes to the seventh-round draft pick out of Texas A&M, Jaylon Jones, hardly a chirp has been had and that's due to an incredibly high level of play.
Jaylon Jones has been really good for the Colts
Through nine weeks of play, the former Aggie has seen action in five games and has started in three where he served as the defense's primary boundary corner. In his rookie campaign thus far, Jones has logged the following statline: 12 tackles (nine solo, three assists) and two passes deflected.
As alluded to, Jones' seemingly bare statline is actually a sign of great play. While cornerbacks across the league are being targeted for the full 60 minutes in a game, Jones is quiet as can be as he locks down his receiver.
Colts rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones this season:
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 6, 2023
10 receptions allowed on 20 targets for just 86 yards in 184 coverage snaps.
Jones and Marlon Humphrey are the only two cornerbacks in the NFL with over 150 coverage snaps to allow fewer than 100 yards receiving
Although a seventh-round pick, Jaylon Jones has provided both reliable production and consistent availability for his team thus far, something the top draft guys in the class have struggled to do.
Among all rookies this season, Jones has played the seventh-most snaps out of any cornerback, which is good for 45% of the team's possible defensive snaps. Jones ranks sixth among rookies in PFF's coverage grade and is eighth in overall defensive grade which is a combination of coverage and run defense.
Times have certainly been tough for the Indianapolis defense, but Jaylon Jones has provided a massive bright spot. In a season riddled with injuries, especially to the rookie class, the Indianapolis Colts have found another day three gem, this time in the form of a boundary corner that could potentially be starting in the NFL for years to come.