5 prospects for Cincinnati Bengals to watch at 2022 Shrine Bowl

Jack Jones, Cornerback, Arizona State

• Height – 5’10”
• Weight – 175

It’s been a tumultuous journey for Jack Jones to get to the NFL Draft. Jones was a five-star prospect in the 2016 recruiting class and the second-rated cornerback. However, his early career at USC was dogged by academic issues, followed by a run-in with the law. That resulted in him losing his place with the Trojans and going to junior college.

It took his former college coach Antonio Pierce to vouch for him, giving Jones a shot at Arizona State. Jones thrived and realized his potential. It culminated in an excellent final season for the Wildcats.

Jones is slightly undersized at 5’10”, meaning he could start his pro career in the slot. However, he is physical in run support, and there are plenty of examples of him playing both off man and press coverage. His athletic ability is evident on tape. Jones has an excellent backpedal and loose hips. Production isn’t a worry with 10 career interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

Of course, teams will need to do their due diligence on Jones, but he has matured and at the age of 24, should be ready to seize the opportunity. The Bengals look set to move on from Trae Waynes and Darius Phillips, and that means there will be space for a starter and a mid-round backup.

The second option is where a player like Jack Jones may be in play.