2019 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five prospects from the Longhorns

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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 27: Brandon Jones #19 of the Texas Longhorns nearly gets caught in the endzone for a safety as he is cornered by Kris McCune #32 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys on a punt return in the fourth quarter on October 27, 2018 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 38-35. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

The latest 2019 NFL Draft Big Board from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller placed junior safety Brandon Jones as the eighth best at his position in this class. Walter Football doesn’t have Jones rated as a safety for the 2019 NFL Draft. He might wait another year to declare, but we’ll assume he goes for the purpose of these rankings.

Jones is the only player on this list to emerge out of nowhere this fall. Texas fans waited for him to breakthrough since he was rated as the No. 1 safety prospect in the nation in 2016. The breakthrough came through. Jones racked up two interceptions, more than 50 total tackles, and four tackles for loss in just seven games.

The speed and versatility of Jones makes him an attractive 2019 NFL Draft safety. The size is a bit lacking compared to the rest of the class. Jones makes up for that with closing speed and strength that exceeds most other safeties. He is one of the more athletic safeties in this class all-around. That could give him an edge.

Jones falls around a middle-to-late round 2019 NFL Draft pick if he declares one year early. He could benefit from another year under head coach Tom Herman. The Forty Acres were good to him in 2018. Declaring early is a good move too since he could take advantage while his stock is as high as its ever been.

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