When you take a look at the Dallas Cowboys roster, you realize there's a good amount of players who cause quite a bit of polemical discussions among fans. Of course, some because of different reasons than others.
Since he was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Byron Jones has been one of those players for Cowboys Nation. Jones has his fair share of fans, but others don't really like him as a player. Some have gone as far as saying he shouldn't even be a starter in the NFL.
But the truth is, Byron's talent is off the charts. He has the opportunity to become a great player if given the chance. His athleticism is outstanding and he's shown it again and again on the field. However, he has indeed struggled at times.
As a rookie, he was used in multiple positions, never really settling at one. This showed just how much he could do, but one could say it ultimately harmed Jones. Having to play everywhere didn't let him play up to his strengths.
2017 Cowboys Defense – Splash Plays – Final Standings: pic.twitter.com/mUJ5Zzo8H5
In 2018, the Cowboys will have a lot of decisions to make. Among others, deciding where to play Byron this season will be one of them. Will they keep him at safety? He's been good there, but some would argue Dallas could improve the position with someone else.
Say the front office does make a run for Seahawks' Earl Thomas, Kavon Frazier impresses the team in training camp and he earns a chance to display his physicality as a starting safety. That could be a very good unit and the Cowboys have the chance to move Jones to cornerback next to a talented young duo in Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis.
With 2018 being Jones' last year under contract, this will be a defining season for his career. Fortunately for him, the Cowboys are bringing in an excellent defensive backs coach. The creator of Seattle's Legion of Boom, Kris Richard, will surely get the most out of Jones this season.
As Staff Writer Brian Martin wrote back in December, one has to question if Jones has been a victim of poor coaching:
“For Byron Jones to finally live up to his draft status, the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff is going to have to use him correctly. They either need to move him back to cornerback full-time or make him a single high safety where he can use his range and athleticism.” Brian Martin on Byron Jones.
This is a defense that has the opportunity to have a top defensive line and making the right call regarding Jones can result in them having a very fine secondary as well. Hopefully, whatever the choice this coaching staff makes, it works out the best for Jones and the team. He is a freakish athlete who is often hated by a lot of fans. This is the season to prove them all wrong.
