Byron Jones: I have to be better in press coverage; ‘I got to punch. I got to hit somebody’
Jon Machota
OXNARD, Calif. — Jason Garrett often tells his players to, “distinguish yourself with your play, not with what you say.”
Byron Jones fits that motto as well as anyone on the Cowboys roster. The first-round pick politely answers every question, but impressively avoids delivering any bulletin board material. Asked what his goal is for the upcoming season, Jones responds, “contribute and get better every day.”
That’s exactly what Garrett wants to hear.
Following his first practice in pads, Jones said he had a rough day. He wasn’t satisfied with how he played in press coverage, something he’ll do often this season.
“Patience in the press technique, not moving out too quick, staying square and using my God-given talent,” Jones said. “The receivers are just bigger and stronger and they’re faster. You got to be more physical. I can’t just skate around. I got to punch. I got to hit somebody.”
The Cowboys are using Jones in a variety of ways. He’s played corner in base defense, both on the outside and inside. He’s also played safety and been the extra defensive back in both nickel and dime packages.
“We like what he did in the spring, playing corner outside, also showed some position flex, he played some safety, we actually had him inside at nickel at different times, so we anticipate him being one of those kinds of players,” Garrett said. “That’s one of the things we liked about him on draft day, and he’s really a dedicated, consciousness kid too. So he’s one of those guys because of his physical traits, because of his approach, we anticipate him improving.”
During rookie minicamp, Jones was asked for a welcome-to-the-NFL-moment. He mentioned the fines players can receive for losing their iPad playbooks.
What has been the most eye-opening experience since arriving at training camp?
“I guess all these fans here,” Jones said. “Every day. Practice One with pads on and you have thousands of fans out here. It’s pretty amazing the support we have, not only in Dallas but in California and across the nation.
“It kind of feels like a game with all these fans. I’m having a great time.”