Dallas Cowboys legend: Byron Jones is the MVP of the defense
Dallas Cowboys legend Darren Woodson believes the most valuable defensive player for America’s Team last season was second-year free safety Byron Jones.
Early in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves an athletic phenom. Having broke the official World Record with a standing broad jump of 12 feet, 3 inches during the NFL Scouting Combine a couple months earlier, Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones saw his draft stock sky rocket him into first round discussions.
With the 27th overall selection in the first round, Dallas added Jones to their needy defensive backfield. The Cowboys coaching staff used the rookie’s ultra athletic ability and unusual position flex to fill various needs, mainly at the cornerback position.
Covering the likes of New England’s All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, Jones started to make a name for himself as a versatile defender. He posted 66 tackles and nine pass defends during his rookie campaign.
Last offseason, the Cowboys decided to move Jones to free safety. Cementing the talented defender at one position all season allowed him to flourish. Jones finished his second-year in Dallas recorded 88 total tackles, 10 pass defends, one forced fumble and the first interception of his young career.
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Although linebacker Sean Lee was the only Dallas defender to receive a Pro Bowl nod last season, one former safety and legendary Cowboys’ player believes that Jones is actually the team’s defensive MVP.
"“No. To me, [Byron Jones is] the MVP of the defense,” Darren Woodson told the Dallas Morning News recently. “I know Sean Lee gets a lot of credit, but you’re asking Byron Jones to play three different positions…He does everything for that team. I can’t tell you how hard that is…Great kid, wants to be better, asks a lot of questions about how he can get better…He’s just one of the great athletes in the NFL, and he doesn’t get a lot of credit for what he can do.”"
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Still trying to get into the Hall of Fame himself, Woodson is a Cowboys Ring of Honor member. Drafted in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft out of Arizona State, “Woody” helped Dallas win three Super Bowl championships during his impressive 13-year career. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All Pro.
Based on Woodson’s praise and Jones’ own development as a player, I do not think anyone would be surprised if the Cowboys’ 24-year old free safety receives a Pro Bowl nomination soon.