The New England Patriots selected Houston cornerback and returner Marcus Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
New England moved around the draft board in their first two picks, but sat tight with their first of two third-rounders and took Jones at 85th overall. He joins a draft class that includes Chattanooga guard Cole Strange (29th overall) and Baylor wideout Tyquan Thornton (50th overall).
Jones should contribute on Day 1 as a returner, where he scored nine touchdowns (six on kickoffs and three on punts) during his college career at both Troy and Houston. He may be undersized at 5-foot-8 but he was one of Pro Football Focus’ favorite prospects at corner. He received a 91.8 PFF grade since 2020 and a 87.8 PFF grade in 2021.
The New England Patriots pick Houston CB Marcus Jones at No. 85 overall.
91.8 PFF grade since 2020 (1st among Group of Five CBs) ♨️ pic.twitter.com/K95FwYLsBi
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 30, 2022
He did not participate in the combine nor Houston’s pro day after getting surgery on both shoulders. He will work his way up the team’s depth chart alongside Malcolm Butler, Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Shaun Wade and Myles Bryant, among others.
