Player Profiles: Jacoby Jones
Football player, dancer…oh it must be Jacoby Jones! Jones is a fan favorite Baltimore Ravens player for his big plays both in kick returns and as a receiver. Jones showed up big times during the Ravens Super Bowl run in 2012 where he became a Baltimore Hero. Jones was also an All-Pro in 2012.
Jones was originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 draft. In 2012 Jones was released by the Texans after his release the Ravens signed Jones to a two-year deal. The Ravens gave Jones a new long term deal after he became a free agent in 2014. Jones has fit in great with the Ravens.
Jones is a tall but slender receiver who has had trouble with his hands and fumbling in the past. Since joining the Ravens Jones has vastly improved as a receiver and has rarely fumbled. Jones’ has only fumbled twice since becoming a Raven, both came in 2012.
As a return man, Jones has had four regular season return touchdowns as a Raven and eight total in his career. Jones has long strides and when he reaches top speed he is nearly impossible to catch. Jones’ is also very good at setting up his blockers.
As a receiver Jones is a home run hitter, he averages 13.4 yards per reception. Jones’ hands have improved as a Ravens and in 12 games in 2013 Jones had 37 receptions and two touchdowns. During the Ravens Super Bowl run, Jones had a touchdown reception and a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
I think Jones will get even better as a receiver and continue to be good as a returner. The Ravens would be smart to limit Jones on punt returns to protect him from injury. Jones is also better at kick returns as he has time to build up his speed more than he does on punt returns.
Jones is best when he catches the ball at full stride and picking up yards after the catch. Jones is also used best lined out wide and not in the slot.
Off the field Jones was on Dancing With The Stars and finished in third place during the 16th season. Jones has stayed out of trouble and the Ravens had very few issues with Jones.
Here are Jone’s career return stats.
