Episode Details

Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Kelley Jones is turning heads as one of the rare 6’4” lockdown defenders in college football. Can his elite length, ball skills, and disruptive man-to-man technique make him an NFL Draft riser, or will concerns about his ability to handle quick-twitch receivers limit his upside?

Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez break down Jones’ standout 2023 stats—38 targets, only 11 receptions allowed, 9 pass breakups, and 2 impressive interceptions—while analyzing his fluidity, versatility in the slot, and patient coverage on vertical routes. Key topics include Jones’ NFL comps, such as Tariq Woolen; scheme-fit projections; challenges in run support; and whether his size makes him a late first- or early second-round pick. Find out what makes Kelley Jones one of the most intriguing prospects in a loaded NFL Draft cornerback class.

Timestamps:

0:00 Kelley Jones Scouting Intro
0:49 Background & Physical Profile
1:47 Elite Size & Coverage Traits
3:37 Slot Versatility & Competitive Toughness
5:30 Man Coverage & Length Utilization
8:07 Scheme Fit & Leverage Discussion
10:55 Ball Skills & Big Play Ability
12:06 Athleticism Concerns & Quickness
14:55 Change-of-Direction & Slot Matchups
16:50 Touchdowns Allowed & Speed Discussion
17:16 Tackling & Run Support Analysis
18:38 Block Shedding & Screen Game
21:19 Draft Grades & NFL Comparisons
25:28 Scheme Fit & Historical Context
29:21 Tall Cornerbacks in the NFL
30:08 Closing Thoughts & Edge Preview

Photo credit: Petre Thomas, Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.