NFL Scouting Combine Spotlight: Elijah Jones

This week the annual NFL Scouting Combine is taking place in Indianapolis. A total of 319 draft prospects were invited. The list includes eight prospects from New England schools, who will be featured on Patriots Football Now during the week. The first New England prospects featured play offense (Kiran Amegadjie, Jalen Coker, and C.J. Hanson). A defensive prospect followed in Eric Watts. This spotlight stays on defense in Boston College cornerback Elijah Jones.

Jones attended Cardinal Hayes High School in New York City. The school produced comedian George Carlin and director Martin Scorsese. Cardinal Hayes also has three NFL alumni among their former students. It looks like a fourth is about to be added via the cornerback who played in Chestnut Hill.

Boston College Eagle

Elijah Jones is a sixth-year senior, who was a full-time starter in his final three seasons at BC. He appeared in 60 games over his college career. He finished with 156 tackles (133 solo), four tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Jones recorded 43 passes defended and seven interceptions, five of which came in his final season.

Jones was an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2022. He made the All-ACC First Team in 2023. He finished second in the voting among cornerbacks behind only Clemson CB Nate Wiggins.

At Boston College, Jones was teammates with new Patriots defensive assistant Vinny DePalma.

NFL Draft

Elijah Jones has good height for a corner standing at 6-foot-1 1/2. He weighed in at 195 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Jones ran the tenth fastest 40-yard dash among the cornerback group with a 4.44. He finished with the best vertical jump at 42.5″. Between his height and vertical, Jones will be tough to beat on contested throws. Jones also impressed with his explosion in the broad jump (10’11”) finishing fourth. He also showed solid ability to track the ball during drills.

Elijah Jones projects as a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, with the potential to go higher if a team is looking for the prototype “tall corner” on the outside. He has the ability to be a depth corner and special teams player at the minimum based on his athleticism.