Taiwan Jones

When Taiwan Jones' names rolls across the ticker on the bottom of the screen on draft weekend, it won't raise much of an eyebrow among casual observers other than a mild curiosity about his first name. That could change quickly if Jones is able to stay healthy and put his explosive style on display regularly in the NFL. Little-known outside of the scouting community, Jones signed with Eastern Washington as a cornerback. His battle with various injuries was kick-started with a broken leg that cost him the first four games of the 2008 season. Jones returned to start four games at cornerback and flashed big-play ability on special teams. He made the switch to running back after the season and became an immediate star, going 87 yards for a touchdown on his first career handoff. He would finish the 2009 season with 2,345 all-purpose yards, second-most in school history. Jones improved on that production last season, rushing for 1,742 yards and 14 touchdowns and racking up 2,421 all-purpose yards. The numbers are even more impressive considering he missed the final two playoff games with a broken bone in his left foot (Eastern Washington still won the FCS National Championship). Jones surprised many scouts when he decided to forego his final year of eligibility. But he has little left to prove at the lower level of competition, and another significant injury would have only hurt his draft stock further. As it is, Jones still hasn't been able to work out for team since foot surgery and has an all-important workout scheduled for April 14. More than two-thirds of NFL teams are expected to be in attendance to get a first-hand look at potentially the fastest and most explosive running back in this class. Jones averaged a ridiculous 7.9 yards per carry in 24 career games. Some of that is due to the level of competition, but his elusiveness, acceleration and breakaway speed are tantalizing.

inside

Lacks the bulk, power to handle a steady diet of interior running. Shows a quick burst to attack the line when there is a hole and can slip through a crack and into the secondary in the blink of an eye. Rare acceleration and top-end speed. Can avoid defenders in tight quarters, showing excellent lateral agility and balance. Upright runner who exposes the ball.

outside

Beats linebackers to the corner easily. Has the flexibility to bend, turn and explode upfield, showing the rare acceleration to break through the pack for long scores. Looks to get toward the sideline, minimizing where defenders can attack him. Shows an excellent stop-start move to avoid tackles, cutting back against the grain.

intangibles

Has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Experienced kick and punt returner. Returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown in 2008 and had an 85-yard score called back due to penalty in 2009. Has been described by scouts as immature and naive.

breaking tackles

Despite his upright running style, rarely takes bit hits, showing an ability to slide off tackles. Can't be characterized as powerful, but keeps his legs churning and bounces off tacklers who don't wrap him up. Slippery.

receiving

Generally reliable hands. Makes most catches off of quick screens and dump-off passes, but was occasionally released deep. Appears to struggle tracking the ball over his shoulder, but possesses good body control to contort his body to make the tough grab. Flashes the ability to extend and pluck outside of his frame.

compares to

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs - Small and elusive with home-run ability, Jones has a chance to do a lot with a limited amount of touches if he's able to stay healthy.

blocking

Rarely asked to pass block in this scheme, as he's typically released into the flat as a receiver. Typically resorts to cut-blocking, at which he's minimally effective due to a lack of technique and power.

2010: Missed the final two games of the playoffs with a broken bone in his left foot. 2009: Played in all 12 games in 2009, but battled hand, shoulder (both) and hip-flexor injuries and underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia. 2008: Missed the first four games of the season due to a broken leg. High School: Missed time as a high school senior with an ankle injury and four games of his redshirt freshman season with a broken fibula.

Combine: Did not work out while recovering from foot surgery.

Graduated from Deer Valley HS in 2007. He was the Contra Costa Times Player of the Year and also earned first team San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro honors as a running back. Jones was MVP of the Bay Valley Athletic League and his team’s MVP on offense. He set his school’s single season record with 19 touchdowns as a two-way starter. He rushed for 1,466 yards (9.3 per carry) and 13 touchdowns, and also scored three receiving and two on punt returns. Three of his six catches were for touchdowns and a total of 191 yards. On defense, he had 37 tackles with a sack and three interceptions. One of his interceptions he returned for a score. He led the Wolverines to a 10-0 regular season record and their first league title. A fourth-quarter ankle injury in the playoffs contributed to the team’s first loss of the season. The year before, Deer Valley finished just 4-6.

Born 7/26/88 in San Francisco, Calif. Interdisciplinary liberal arts major.