Huskies two-time all-conference CB Sidney Jones, considered by some draft watchers the No. 1 available cornerback, had a serious setback Saturday when he tore his Achilles tendon during a backpedal drill at Washington’s annual pro day for NFL scouts.
Near the end of the event, Jones pivoted and tumbled to the turf, clutching the back of his thigh. UW coach Chris Petersen helped him off the field to a cart that left Dempsey Indoor Center.
No further word was provided on the extent of the injury. Achilles tears usually require surgery and months of rehabilitation, meaning Jones will be something of an unknown quantity when the draft begins April 27.
Most mock drafts pegged Jones as a first-rounder, possibly the first cornerback to go in a class loaded in the defensive backfield.
He was among 16 former Huskies players at the tryout, including FS Budda Baker, his former Washington teammate on the Pac-12’s best defense.
“It’s really tough, just because Sidney’s one of our best friends, all of our best friends,” Baker told reporters. “Felt like he could have been the first corner and still can be the first corner off the draft board. The last drill, last thing you’ve got to do, and that happens. Definitely sad, but we know Sidney’s strong and he’s going to still be there.”
Both Baker and Jones declared in January their intention to leave school a year early for the draft. Once committed, players are not allowed to return to their college program, even with eligibility remaining.
Jones, 6 feet and 186 pounds from Diamond Bar, CA, impressed scouts at the combine. Here’s his highlight reel.