Texas Football: Grading landing spots for Longhorns in 2020 NFL Draft
Safety. 70th Overall. Brandon Jones. 3. player. 59. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
The first player off the board among former Longhorns in the 2020 NFL Draft class is ex-starting senior safety Brandon Jones. Landing with the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the draft, Jones was able to take advantage of a thin class at his position. But it would be nice to see him get with a more proven secondary and a team in better spot for contention in the next few years.
In the early version of the Dolphins 2020 depth chart from ESPN just after the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft (and with a bevy of undrafted free agent signings pouring in), Jones is listed as their backup free safety. That would place him just behind the likes of standout starting Dolphins free safety Eric Rowe. There’s not any problem with that slotting for Jones.
The only advantage that Jones might’ve gotten elsewhere is a chance for a bigger role out of the gate. Jones was one of the more NFL ready and versatile safeties in the entirety of this draft class. It also wasn’t the deepest draft class at safety. Two or three potential landing spots came to mind where Jones might’ve had a shot to win a starting job during his rookie season.
However, Jones will bring his 232 career total tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, seven pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries to a Dolphins secondary that needs the help. The Dolphins started to get better down the stretch last season, and Rowe is at least a good safety to learn from at the outset of Jones’ NFL career.