NFL Combine 2024: Jarrian Jones quiets all the naysayers with outstanding performance

There was much doubt from FSU football fans surrounding Jarrian Jones after his first two years in Tallahassee. The former blue-chip transfer recruit from Mississippi battled several injuries, which hampered his performance on the field. However, Jones began to come on strong late in the 2022 season and served notice after the Cheez-It Bowl game that he wasn't to be taken lightly. He was one of the main guys behind most of the guys returning in 2023 and turned out to be one of the strongest performers for the 2023 team. Jarrian Jones probably wouldn't have received an NFL Combine invitation a year ago, but he made the most of his opportunity Friday afternoon.

Jones tied for the fifth fastest 40 times (4.38), sixth highest broad jump (10' 9"), and eighth highest vertical jump (39.5") among all defensive backs. Jones had a 5.96 Grade(Average back-up or special teamer) going into the NFL Combine, but his performance may be enough to boost his stock quite a bit. Most mock drafts had him as a fifth-round selection. All of the advanced metrics illustrate he was one of the best nickel defensive backs in college football last season while competing against several high-caliber wide receivers.

Is the performance enough to quiet the naysayers? I would say so. He has the tape to back it up. His performance over the last 15-20 games indicates it was the injuries more than anything preventing him from maximizing his opportunities. Also, Mike Norvell has spoken glowingly about Jarrian Jones and his work ethic. I think all of those things will pay dividends for the Mississippi native. He's also another player the FSU football staff can point to as someone they wholeheartedly helped develop into an NFL Draft pick. Jones should be another player that adds to the FSU "DBU" legacy.