Brandon Jones was the first draft eligible Longhorn to hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 70th pick in the third round. Jones, a Nacogdoches native, started in 35 games and played in 46 during his tenure with the Longhorns. He led the Longhorns in tackles last season with 86 and was a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Jones has never visited Miami and has only spent time in Florida when he played in the Under Armour All American game as a high school player. “I haven’t been to Miami before. I know it’s awesome and the weather will be amazing. I’m excited for sure. I really don’t know what to expect, but I’m just excited to get started.”
Texas head coach Tom Herman thinks the Dolphins are getting an exceptional player that is fast, and knows the game.
“In Brandon, they’re getting a remarkable young man who has a heart of gold and is very smart and instinctual,” Texas head coach Tom Herman said. “He is the best open-field tackler that I’ve ever coached. He gets them on the ground one way or another. He can come downhill and hit you in the run game, but can also roam center field and is extremely fast. I think in one play a couple years ago, we tracked him right at 23 miles-per-hour on a play where he knocked the running back out of bounds on a 4th & Goal from the 2-yard line. He’s very versatile at safety. He can play center field and can play in the box. He’s physical and will hit you. He’s one of our captains, and is a great leader.”
ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper on Brandon Jones
“I love the versatility of Brandon Jones. He’s done a lot during his career at Texas. You think about this past season, he had 64 solo of his 86 tackles, which led that Longhorn defense. That’s impressive. Four-and-a-half tackles for loss, broke up four passes, had a couple of interceptions, and forced a fumble, but what I really like is he can play high and he can play in the slot. That’s what really got my attention this past year – his ability to cover as a slot, that’s critical in the NFL.
