Originally posted by OnTheClock:Originally posted by Travisty13:
Speedy RB Jones to Make Up for Lost Time
Quote:
Taiwan Jones is preparing to do his best Chris Johnson impression. Johnson, of course, burst onto the scene - almost literally - in 2008 when he ran his 40-yard dash in a dizzying 4.24 seconds. Two months later, the Titans selected him with the 24th overall pick.
Jones, meanwhile, is viewed as the best approximation of Johnson in this year's draft class. The Eastern Washington tailback (by way of Deer Valley High in Antioch) did not run at the combine because he was still recovering from a broken foot suffered in early December. However, he will work out for teams April 14 in Pittsburg. The session promises to be well-attended by NFL types, including the 49ers.
CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang said he's spoken to teams that see Jones as a second-round pick. "He's the best open-field runner in this draft," Rang said. "I expect 4.3 (second) speed. His lateral quickness is pretty amazing. The question is durability. He's a former cornerback, and he looks like a cornerback."
Indeed, Jones has had an array of dings and dents in his two seasons at tailback. But he's also had tremendous production, averaging 7.9 yards a carry and 14.3 yards per reception in 2010.
Rang stopped just short of comparing Jones to Johnson, who also was considered a second- to third-round pick before his freakish 40. "It's not just his speed and elusiveness," Rang said of Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowl player. "It's his toughness. For his size, to be able to withstand that punishment is phenomenal."
Johnson is listed at 5-11, 191 pounds. Jones measured 6-0, 194 pounds.
I was hyping this kid as a middle round prospect for us a few weeks ago. Looks like he's not much of a secret anymore. He's considered a 2nd to 3rd round now. But seems like the 49ers are doing their jobs and going to look at the kid.
There are two major differences between CJ and TJ.
1) Level of competition
2) Injury history
You could also add that scouts think he's not going to be able to take the punishment of interior running like CJ has been able to do for the most part. If Taiwan doesn't clock in the 4.3's, the end of the 3rd round will likely be his highest point to be drafted.
Now all that said, I'd be very, very happy to get Jones in as the third back and speed rusher. He'd be an excellent complement to both Gore and Dixon. Plus, he brings KR ability.
Yeah I really don't see him as a CJ back. He doesn't look at fast to me. But he definitely would be our speed back. When I was looking at Mid to Late RBs awhile back he was rated at a 5-6 round back by CBSSports.com. Seems like the hype machine got his name, now Rang has him 2-3 round and CBS has him as a 3-4 rounder. If he were to somehow slip to the 4th round area, I'd love to have him on our team as the change of pace back we've been needing. I still think 1-3 rounds are for QB, CB, and OLB in whatever order. The rest of the draft can be for prospects like Jones.
