I think it says a lot when a first-round draft pick is in danger of getting cut because the team that drafted him added future Hall of Famers Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson to the roster. But that's exactly the fate that could befall Matt Jones, the Jaguars' 2005 first-rounder. Assuming it happens, then what? Is there a market for a 6-6, 230-pound dude who runs a 4.37 but isn't particularly adept at getting open or catching passes? Well, of course there is. Because, you see, Jones attended University of Arkansas, and every NFL fan knows that whenever an Arkansas alum is released, the Cowboys are obligated to offer them a tryout. You know, because Jerry Jones is a Razorback.
Actually, that couldn't be further from the truth; Dallas' 2008 first-round pick, Felix Jones, is the first Arkansas player drafted during the Jones regime. But Matt Jones is still an attractive option because of his physical attributes and, more importantly, he'd come on the cheap.
... [U]nlike a draft pick or receiver acquired via trade, the Cowboys could probably bring Jones to training camp without investing anything in him. If he makes the team, great. If not, assuming the Cowboys could sign him to a make-good deal that didn't include guaranteed money, oh well.Oh, right, I forgot the vertical leap. Which makes it even more puzzling why Jones has struggled so much in Jacksonville. ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas writes that Jones has "other priorities" outside football, so that could have something to do with it. And that might affect whether other teams even give him a look. Assuming, of course, Jacksonville ever releases him.
Jones is considered a bust after producing only 1,392 yards and 13 TDs in three seasons for the Jaguars. But here are some numbers that would certainly justify taking a long look at Jones: 6-6, 238 pounds, 25 years old, 4.37 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical leap.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-14-2008 @ 6:44PM
Tom russell said...
Let me put it this way. What is Jerry Jones record?
Pretty good, I say
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6-14-2008 @ 7:34PM
James Martin said...
Tell him his chances of the Cowboys picking him up would greatly increase if he were to get arrested prior to the tryout.
Cowboys Suck
Reply
6-14-2008 @ 9:11PM
Elsquare said...
If Matt Jones comes to the Cowboys, and gets Jerry Rhome to help him restore his QB mechanics/skills, he will start for the Cowboys in 2010--maybe sooner. This could be Jerry Jones chance to finally do something right. BUT, he will blow it.
Reply
6-14-2008 @ 8:37PM
jeff said...
JAMES, JAMES, JAMES....
So much anger (envy)....
Please curve your emotions (jealousy).....
Reply
7-11-2008 @ 2:33AM
AmyLynne said...
James....Matt Jones must have read what you had wrote...he got busted today for doing blow!!!
6-14-2008 @ 11:54PM
George B Vieto said...
If Matt Jones leaves the Jaguars Jerry Jones should really try to get him to join the Cowboys since Matt has the ability to play quarterback and play wide receiver.
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6-15-2008 @ 3:53AM
Jerry Desaulniers said...
James, I thought your comment was a little out of line! Now go to your room and no NFL football for you for a year! LOL! Great comment! I agree, Jerry Jones seems to have a thing for Criminal types. It really irks me. I hope the Cowboys lose 10 games this year!
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7-06-2008 @ 5:44PM
cathye killian said...
I either watch or record the Jags games when on TV, unfortunately, I don't get the NFL ticket, I would probably be in a blackout area anyway like I was the first any only time I paid big bucks for it. I find that Matt doesn't get very much playing time. He goes in for a play and it is thrown to someone else, then when the ball is thrown to him and he doesn't catch it then he pays with it by all the bad mouthing. I could understand if he had the playing time of Jerry Rice, etc but he doesn't. I wonder how much action he actually gets in practice? The same as on game day??? When he starts being a "full time" player, then ridicule him then. I understand Jacksonville is mainly a running game and they do well with it, but give his some more playing time. And by the way, what's wrong with being layed back as long as you know what's going on with the game? Do all the NFL players have the be jacked up all the time or be in the headlines to be accepted?
Thanks. CK
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