2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jalen Jones, CB, William & Mary

Jalen Jones, a standout cornerback for the William & Mary Tribe, has established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, the Chesapeake, Virginia native combines athleticism, intelligence, and technical prowess to excel on the field.espn.com+1flathatnews.com+1foxsports.com

Strengths

• Elite Pass Defense: Jones led the nation in passes defended in 2024, recording 22 total (20 pass breakups and 2 interceptions), averaging 1.8 passes defended per game. tribeathletics.com+1flathatnews.com+1
• Ball Skills and Anticipation: His ability to read offenses and anticipate routes has been a cornerstone of his success. Jones attributes this to meticulous film study and focusing on the technical details during practice.flathatnews.com
• Physicality and Tackling: Beyond pass coverage, Jones is effective in run support, amassing 48 tackles in the 2024 season. tribeathletics.com+1tribeathletics.com+1
• Leadership and Work Ethic: Known for his continuous improvement mindset, Jones emphasizes daily growth, which has positively influenced his teammates. flathatnews.com

Career Highlights

• 2022 Season: As a redshirt freshman, Jones made an immediate impact by recording three interceptions in his first career start, including a 33-yard pick-six. He concluded the season with 24 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. tribeathletics.com+2tribeathletics.com+2tribeathletics.com+2tribeathletics.com
• Accolades:
  • CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year (2022)
  • Finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, placing eighth (2022)
  • First-Team All-America selections by multiple organizations, including the Associated Press and Stats Perform (2024)
  • Finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the top defensive player in FCS (2024)tribeathletics.com+6tribeathletics.com+6tribeathletics.com+6flathatnews.com+3tribeathletics.com+3tribeathletics.com+3tribeathletics.com+3tribeathletics.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3

Outlook

Entering his senior season in 2025, Jones is poised to further solidify his reputation as a top defensive back in college football. His combination of technical skill, physicality, and leadership makes him a valuable asset to the William & Mary defense and a potential prospect for the next level.