Cowboys Breakout Player: Can Byron Jones be this year’s Lawrence?

Byron Jones has been playing like a rock star in training camp – here’s why he has a good chance to be this season’s breakout player for the Dallas Cowboys.

Predicting breakout players is tough business – especially on a team like the Dallas Cowboys. With expectations typically higher than what’s reasonably possible, we often find ourselves managing our disappointment rather than triumphing in breakout surprises.

This season will likely be no different with a handful of players tasked with living up to the loftiest of expectations. But one player just seems due. Due to find his comfort zone. Due to live up to first round status. Basically, due to be this season’s version of DeMarcus Lawrence.

Byron Jones

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Byron Jones in 2015 as cornerback/safety prospect. Blessed with versatility and extremely impressive athleticism, Jones was tried at both defensive back positions as a rookie, eventually landing at safety.

Every season Cowboys Nation has collectively predicted a breakout year for young Jones, and every year he falls short. It’s not that Jones has played poorly, it’s just that he hasn’t reached true breakout status.

But this year’s the year Byron puts it all together and provides that DeMarcus Lawrence-type of breakout season. Here’s why:

Solid foundation of play

As stated earlier: it’s not like Byron Jones is bad. He’s actually quite good depending what you ask of him. While he never looked all that strong in center field as a free safety, he looked downright dominant in the box in man coverage.

As Pro Football Focus points out (subscription required), when matched up in the slot, Jones only allowed passers a rating 51.5. That’s the best in the NFL, in case you’re wondering. It stands to reason playing more coverage at the line will better highlight Byron Jones’ skills.

It’s also entirely possible Jones could move inside sometimes to handle slot duties when the Cowboys field their nickel defense (3 CB defense).

If Jones stays on the right side (typically facing off against the opponent’s X receiver), he’ll be able to use his long arms and physicality to press – like he so successfully did last season inside.

Reliability

One of the best traits of Byron Jones has been his ability to stay on the field. There’s something to the statement, “The best ability is availability”. Last season the Cowboys CBs were ravaged by injury. Having a workhorse like Jones back there will big for the team – and big for Jones.

Motivation

The coaching addition of Kris Richard should be huge for Jones. Richard teaches the type of defense perfect for a player like Jones.

But beyond the invigorating position change, and the upgrade in coaching, is Byron Jones’ current contract situation. According to Spotrac, the Cowboys picked up Jones’ rookie option. But this is a prove-it season for Jones. Just like Demarcus Lawrence last year, how he performs will dictate ow long he’s employed in Dallas.

If he can prove it, he will stand to face a lucrative pay day come what free agency time. If he fails in this position switch, he’ll see a significant drop in pay since he’s really “just a guy” as a safety. Additionally, with so many talented options behind Jones on the depth chart, the Cowboys will have no problem replacing him should he not live up to his salary.

There are a number of ways playing CB makes Jones better. But generally speaking, it just seems to play to his strengths better. Byron Jones is a standout in training camp and if he can continue his strong performance, he may the breakout player we’re all talking about.

• Published on 07/31/2018 at 12:01 PM
• Last updated at 07/31/2018 at 11:06 AM