Jonathan Jones (American football)

Last updated

Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones (American football).JPG
Jones in the 2017 NFL season.
No. 31 – New England Patriots
Position: Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1993-09-20) September 20, 1993 (age 30)
Carrollton, Georgia, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school: Carrollton (Carrollton, Georgia)
College: Auburn (2012-2015)
Undrafted: 2016
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:378
Sacks:2.5
Forced fumbles:8
Fumble recoveries:2
Pass deflections:51
Interceptions:11
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at PFR

Jonathan Isaiah Jones (born September 20, 1993) is an American professional football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Auburn and signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2016. [1]

Contents

Early life

As a junior in high school in 2011, Jones was one of the top high school hurdlers in the country. He placed third in the New Balance Nationals and then won the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics National Championship in the 110-meter hurdles. [2]

College career

Jones was a four-year starter at cornerback at Auburn, and saw his first action as a true freshman in 2012. In August 2013, Jones broke his ankle and played in only five games his sophomore season. In 2014, he earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors and was ninth in the nation with six interceptions and 17 passes defended, he would again earn second-team All-SEC notice during his 2015 senior year. [3] He had 129 career tackles and seven interceptions in his four years with the Tigers. [4]

Professional career

Pre-draft

Jones was projected to be a fourth or fifth round draft pick by NFL draft experts and analysts, but went undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft possibly due to his lack of height, despite an impressive combine, being a top performer at the 40-yard dash and bench press. [5]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 9+18 in
(1.76 m)
186 lb
(84 kg)
30+14 in
(0.77 m)
8+34 in
(0.22 m)
4.33 s1.47 s2.50 s4.25 s7.25 s36 in
(0.91 m)
10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)
19 reps
All values from NFL Combine. [6] [7]

2016

On May 1, 2016, the New England Patriots signed Jones to a three-year, $1.63 million contract as an undrafted free agent that included a signing bonus of $10,000. [8]

He had a strong training camp and preseason edging out fellow undrafted rookie Cre'Von LeBlanc and 2015 seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts for the final cornerback spot on the Patriots 53-man roster thanks to his special teams contributions. [9] Jones saw his first game action in the Patriots season opener against the Arizona Cardinals and recorded a tackle. [10]

In Week 14 against the Ravens, Jones stopped a punt from entering the endzone, pinning the Ravens' offense on the 1-yard line. On the next play, defensive tackle Malcom Brown tackled Ravens' running back Kenneth Dixon in the backfield, resulting in a safety. [11]

On February 5, 2017, Jones was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime. [12] Coming back from a 25 point deficit in the third quarter. [13]

2017

In 2017, Jones played in all 16 regular-season games with four starts as the team's nickel cornerback and core special teamer. In Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones intercepted Philip Rivers in the final seconds of the game to close out a 21–13 win. In the divisional round of the playoffs, Jones suffered an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve on January 17, 2018. [14] The Patriots still made it to Super Bowl LII, but lost 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

2018

In the AFC Championship Game for the 2018 season, held on January 20, 2019, the speedy Jones was utilized by the Patriots to shut down the Kansas City Chiefs' Tyreek Hill, who is also known for his speed. Jones was able to match the speed of Hill, and Hill was only targeted three times by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, finishing the game with just one catch. Jones was credited as a 'big reason why' the Patriots beat the Chiefs and secured a spot in Super Bowl LIII. [15] The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams, 13–3, to give Jones his second Super Bowl championship. [16]

2019

Jones in a game against the Washington Redskins Jonathan Jones.jpg
Jones in a game against the Washington Redskins

On March 12, 2019, the Patriots placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on March 12, 2019. [17]

On April 15, 2019, Jones re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal. [18]

On September 7, 2019, Jones signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension with the Patriots, keeping him under contract through the 2022 season. [19] In week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Jones forced a fumble off running back Nick Chubb which was recovered by teammate Devin McCourty in the 27–13 win. [20]

2020

In Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, Jones recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Drew Lock during the 18–12 loss. [21]

2021

In Week 6, Jones suffered a shoulder injury and was placed on injured reserve on October 23, 2021. [22]

2022

Jones returned from his injury in 2022 and started 16 games after switching from slot cornerback to outside cornerback. He set career-highs with 11 passes defensed, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles, all of which led the team.

2023

On March 13, 2023, Jones re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal. [23]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
BoldCareer high

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckIntYdsAvgLngTDPDFFFR
2016 NE 161141040.0000.000111
2017 NE 164443951.0166.060801
2018 NE 1655644121.533411.3240710
2019 NE 1595338150.0000.000820
2020 NE 1677460140.0200.000610
2021 NE 61201550.0100.000300
2022 NE 16166956130.048922.35511130
Career [24] 10143330262682.51112911.75514482

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ty Law</span> American football player (born 1974)

Tajuan Edward "Ty" Law is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he was a first-team All-American, and was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft. During his 10 seasons in New England, he received four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. A three-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots, Law also holds the franchise record for interceptions. Law spent his final five seasons as a member of the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos, earning a fifth Pro Bowl selection with the formermost. Ranking 24th in NFL career interceptions, he twice led the league in interceptions during the 1998 and 2005 seasons. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawyer Milloy</span> American football player (born 1973)

Lawyer Marzell Milloy is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He played college football for the Washington Huskies, and earned unanimous All-American honors. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft, and also played for the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro, and a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl XXXVI championship team that beat his hometown team, the St. Louis Rams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aqib Talib</span> American football player (born 1986)

Aqib Talib is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Kansas, where he received consensus All-American honors, and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. Talib also played for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams, winning Super Bowl 50 with Denver. In 2020, he made his debut as an analyst for NFL on Fox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Lee (American football)</span> American football player (born 1984)

Patrick Christopher Lee is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. Lee won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephon Gilmore</span> American football player (born 1990)

Stephon Stiles Gilmore is an American football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected tenth overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL draft. Gilmore spent his first five seasons with the Bills and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 before joining the New England Patriots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devin McCourty</span> American football player (born 1987)

Devin McCourty is an American former football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the New England Patriots. He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. Missing only five games during his Patriots career, McCourty received two Pro Bowl selections and was also a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams. McCourty also has the most postseason starts for a defensive player. His twin brother, Jason McCourty, also played in the NFL. Since leaving the NFL in 2022, he has served as a commentator for NBC's Football Night in America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnson Bademosi</span> American football player (born 1990)

Johnson Bademosi is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback and special teamer in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He was a member of the football, rugby, and track and field teams at Gonzaga College High School and went on to play college football for Stanford University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logan Ryan</span> American football player (born 1991)

Logan Daniel Ryan is an American former football defensive back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football at Rutgers as a cornerback and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. Ryan also played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Marshall</span> American football player (born 1992)

Nicholas Deshawn Marshall Sr. is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL), following the 2015 NFL draft. He played college football at Auburn as a quarterback and was the Tigers' starter from 2013 to 2014. He also played for the New York Jets and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Rowe</span> American football player (born 1992)

Nelson Eric Rowe Jr. is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football at Utah, and has played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Coleman</span> American football player (born 1993)

Justin Jamal Coleman is an American football cornerback and nickelback who is a free agent. He played college football at Tennessee, and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. Coleman won Super Bowl LI with the Patriots.

Cameron Amir Sutton is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee, and was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has also played for the Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon King (linebacker)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Brandon King is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He has also played at both safety positions and has contributed extensively on special teams. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots. He played college football at Auburn in his final two years of collegiate eligibility, after spending his freshman and sophomore seasons playing at Highland Community College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jalen Mills</span> American football player (born 1994)

Jalen Mills is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football at LSU, where he received first-team All-American honors, and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of 2016 NFL draft. Mills was a member of the Eagles for five seasons, winning a Super Bowl title in Super Bowl LII, before joining the New England Patriots for three seasons.

Cyrus Diego Jones Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Poole (American football)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Brian Poole is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at Florida and signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenny Moore II</span> American football player (born 1995)

Kenneth Moore II is an American professional football cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Valdosta State, and signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlton Davis</span> American football player (born 1996)

Carlton Davis III is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Auburn and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darious Williams</span> American football player (born 1993)

Darious Williams is an American football cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UAB. After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens, Williams went on to join the Los Angeles Rams, where he won a championship with the team during Super Bowl LVI.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emmanuel Moseley</span> American football player (born 1996)

Emmanuel LaMurel Moseley is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers.

References

  1. Jonathan Jones starting to grow on Patriots
  2. Daniels, Mark (November 25, 2017). "Undaunted by adversity, Patriots' Jones ready for prime time". ProvidenceJournal.com.
  3. "Jonathan Jones Stats, News and Video – DB". NFL.com .
  4. "AUBURNTIGERS.COM Jonathan Jones Bio :: Auburn University Official Athletic Site Auburn University Official Athletic Site :: Football". Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  5. "Jonathan Jones Stats, News and Video – DB". NFL.com .
  6. "Jonathan Jones Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  7. "2016 NFL Draft Scout Jonathan Jones College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  8. "Spotrac.com: Jonathan Jones contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  9. Buchmasser, Bernd (September 5, 2016). "RB D.J. Foster, CB Jonathan Jones latest undrafted rookies to make the Patriots' 53-man roster". PatsPulpit.com.
  10. Cox, Zack (September 12, 2016). "Bill Belichick Lauds Jonathan Jones, Patriots' Kick Coverage After Dramatic Win". NESN.com.
  11. Princiotti, Nora (December 15, 2016). "Patriots' Jonathan Jones excelled in punt coverage Monday". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  12. "Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  13. "NFL Throwback: Five forgotten facts from the Patriots' epic comeback win over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI". CBSSports.com. November 18, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  14. "Patriots Re-Sign WR Bernard Reedy; Place DB Jonathan Jones on Injured Reserve". Patriots.com. January 17, 2018.
  15. Inabinett, Mark (January 22, 2019). "Jonathan Jones 'big reason why' Patriots won AFC title". Al.com . Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  16. Shpigel, Ben (February 4, 2019). "Patriots Win in Lowest-Scoring Super Bowl Ever". The New York Times. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  17. Crabtree, Curtis (March 12, 2019). "Report: Patriots place restricted tenders on Josh Gordon, Jonathan Jones". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  18. Bouda, Nate (April 15, 2019). "Patriots Re-Sign RFA CB Jonathan Jones".
  19. Reed, Russ (September 7, 2019). "Patriots, 2-time Super Bowl champion agree to contract extension, according to report". WCVB.com. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  20. "Belichick wins 300th, perfect Patriots beat Browns 27–13". ESPN . October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  21. "Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – October 18th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  22. "Patriots Elevate DL Daniel Ekuale and OL James Ferentz to the Active Roster; Place DB Jonathan Jones on Injured Reserve". Patriots.com. October 23, 2021.
  23. "Report: Patriots retain Jonathan Jones on two-year deal". Patriots.com. March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  24. "Jonathan Jones Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2020.