At this early stage of the Los Angeles Rams rebuilding process, the 2017 NFL Draft should be all about getting the best value with its selections.
Enter Sidney Jones.
The Washington Huskies cornerback tore the Achilles tendon in his left foot during the school’s Pro Day on March 11, according to the Tacoma News Tribune (h/t Sporting News). After undergoing surgery with famed Dr. James Andrews, Jones said the doctor told him the surgery was a success and that he would be able to play this season.
Surgery was great ✊🏾
The doctor said that I will for sure be playing this upcoming season 😎 #DontCountMeOut 💯— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) March 21, 2017
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter also tweeted that Jones would be running again in four months.
Wash CB Sidney Jones, a consensus 1st-round pick, underwent surgery today on torn Achilles with Dr. Robert Anderson. Running in four months.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2017
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Even if Jones is able to run by August, that doesn’t guarantee a time that he’ll be able to start practicing and/or playing with the team that drafts him. NFL.com reports that teams will have to factor his injury into his draft status.
“Jones has lockdown corner talent but unfortunately, teams will have to wrestle with his draft positioning as there is no guarantee that Jones can come back with the same quickness and speed as before,” NFL.com reported in its draft evaluation of the 6-foot, 186-pound Jones.
The Rams don’t have a first-round pick in the draft, having dealt it to the Tennessee Titans as part of Los Angeles acquiring last year’s No. 1 pick and selecting quarterback Jared Goff . With so many needs to fill, the franchise could look for a wide receiver, center or safety.
But L.A. also seems to be more than a year away, talent-wise, from making a playoff run, especially without a lot of salary cap space or a a bevy of upper-round draft picks. If Jones is available when the Rams pick in Round 2, 37th overall, they could roll the dice on Smith and get a first-round talent who must overcome a significant injury.
The Rams wouldn’t have to rush him into the lineup. They could let him recover fully without affecting their 2017 outlook.
As the team looks to build talent, taking a chance on Smith could have a huge upside if he bounces back into form.
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