NFL Draft Prospect: Nic Jones - CB - Ball State
It's officially Bowl season and one of the standout performers from the Shrine Bowl, Nic Jones, sat down with us ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nic Jones is a great athlete and possesses exceptional footwork and straight line speed which enables him to recover very well. Furthermore, he has excellent hands as well as good ball skills and when Jones gets his hands on the ball he will take it to the end zone.
Jones' impressive football IQ means he can play in zone due to his good understanding of routes and what's going on around him, his speed allows him to close any gaps quickly. He has excellent versatility and enables him to win out in coverage.
Career Notes
Jones attended Southfield A&T High School and was recruited as a three star prospect heading into college football, committing to the Ball State Cardinals.
In his first season he started 2 of 12 games as he featured mainly as a nickel corner as he racked up 18 total tackles. In the covid shortened season in 2020, Jones started 1 of 8 games and featured on the special teams unit as he totalled six total tackles and a blocked punt. Jones was a big part of the Cardinals team that won the 2020 MAC Championship.
Unfortunately, last season, Jones' season was cut short due to a season ending injury however he was still able to rack up 13 tackles and an interception on the year. In 2022, as a redshirt junior, he earned himself second team All-MAC honors after an impressive season where he recorded career highs in total tackles, passes defended and interceptions.
Get to know Nic Jones
The impressive cornerback, fresh off his impressive Shrine Bowl performance, sat down with us to talk football.
Hi Nic, What was it that first got you into football?
It was through my brother. As a small kid I went to his practices and naturally got pulled in to the game.
Growing up, was there an NFL team that you followed?
Growing up I was a Lions fan and I still am for sure.
For our readers, can you describe your playing style?
My playing style is aggressive and confident. I carry myself out there with a contagious and effortless swagger.
Following on from the last question, who would you say that you model your game after?
It's not just one player specifically. I model my game after a handful of NFL guys and I like to pick from everyone that I can.
Moving on to your college football career, what was your favourite moment?
My favorite moment was winning the MAC Championship in the 2020 season.
What sets you apart from other CBs?
It has to be my versatility that sets me apart. There isn't a single coverage matchup that I don't feel good about anywhere on the field.
Who is the best player that you have played against throughout college?
The best player I've played against is Skyy Moore. Played against him three times when he was at Western Michigan.
Throughout the last season you had a career year, recording career highs in total tackles, interceptions and passes defended - what is the secret to the upturn in production?
Finely tuning the details in my preparation and taking care of my body. Staying healthy and showing what I could do with an entire season as a CB1 was my big off season goal.
It definitely worked, congratulations on your recent success at the Shrine Bowl. It has appeared to move you up draft boards. How was the experience and what were the best moments for you?
The shrine bowl experience was truly a blessing and it gave me valuable insight on what it’s like preparing for games as a pro. My favorite moments were honestly just getting cool with all the other DBs on my team and then catching the INT in the 4th quarter of course.
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching. How do you see your NFL future/role?
I see myself as a star in this league for a really long time, carving out whatever role is necessary.
Off the back of that, what round do you predict that you'll be selected?
I don't have a round that I predict that I will be taken so I guess I'll just let it play out.
Nic, it was an absolute pleasure. From all of us here at the Franchise Tag, we wish you all the best for the NFL Draft.