2015 NFL Draft Rumors: Don't be surprised if Eagles pick Byron Jones in first round

It wouldn't be a shock to see the Philadelphia Eagles draft a defensive back at No. 20 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. According to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, the Eagles are rumored to be interested in a specific prospect: University of Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones.

"Chip Kelly’s first draft running the personnel department, what will he do?

Byron Jones from UConn… now this is a guy a week before the Combine was not on my radar at all. Teams started talking, though, about his 2013 film. Jones has size, speed, unreal agility. We know about the broad jump that was record breaking. But he can play at the line of scrimmage or in off coverage. The length and speed that he has at that position — I’m told ideal for what Chip Kelly wants. Don’t be surprised if Byron Jones is off the board at No. 20."

This rumor certainly makes some sense. The Eagles sent a fairly large continent of UConn's pro day earlier this week. Head coach Chip Kelly, vice president of player personnel Ed Marynowitz, defensive coordinator Bill Davis, and senior football advisor Tom Donahoe were all pictured together speaking with Jones. This is also significant because Florida State's pro day was also being held that day, and as you can imagine there are more draft prospects coming out of FSU than UConn.

To repeat what I wrote earlier in the week, I think Jones makes a lot of sense for Philadelphia.

"He has great size, he's long, and he's athletic. Along with being a team captain, he's also reportedly a high character guy so Chip Kelly will love that. Philadelphia addressed the cornerback position in free agency by signing Byron Maxwell but the team still has a future need at the position."

The only questionable part about this rumor is whether the Eagles like him enough to take him at No. 20. Is Jones a first round talent? For what it's worth, some experts are expecting him to be an early second round pick. Former Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah has him ranked as the No. 37 best prospect available. At one point earlier this offseason, however, Jeremiah also had the Eagles taking him at No. 20. Jones might not last until the Eagles' second round pick at No. 52.

While Jones' draft position is up for debate, his athleticism certainly is not. Here's another look at his measurables. Also keep in mind he ran a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day. Click here for a scouting report on Jones.

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