It’s taken some time, but draft analysts are starting to take a closer look at Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones — and the results have been outstanding for Jones. As with any FCS-level player, there’s a bit of an unknown when judging how skills will translate to the NFL, purely based on the level of competition. In Jones’ case, though, his game-breaking ability trumps all, and has him moving up mock draft boards on the double.
CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang finally got around to watching Jones’ game-film and came away impressed. Not only did he have high-praise for Jones, he called him the most electrifying open-field runner in the draft.
Doing film on #EWU Jr RB Taiwan Jones. Wow. The most electrifying open-field runner I’ve seen this year. At RB or WR. FCS or FBS.
That’s saying a lot from someone who knows the ins-and-outs of the draft and has studied a good amount of the 2011 draft class. Jones’ draft stock continues to rise as a result, and he’s listed as a mid-round pick despite recovering from a foot injury and rehabbing ahead of the draft.
Though his durability has been called into question, there’s no doubt Jones can be a game-breaking running back when healthy. It’s that ability to get into the open-field and make people miss that’s trumping all for Jones, and should have him continuing to rise ahead of the draft.
For more stock updates, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.