Texas A&M DB Jaylon Jones plans to enter the 2023 NFL Draft
Texas A&M defensive back Jaylon Jones announced on his Twitter page on Sunday that he is officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Many people are projecting that Jones will be selected somewhere in the third to fourth round range in the upcoming draft. In 2021, he had six pass breakups, 35 tackles, and two interceptions. His production dipped during the 2022 season. In 10 games this year, he racked up 33 tackles and two pass breakups.
Jaylon Jones announces his intentions via social media
The lengthy announcement reads, “Texas A&M University and the 12th Man, have been my rock from the time that I have arrived. I have met so many amazing people, that will always hold a special place in my heart. I have built so many amazing relationships, that will last a lifetime. I bleed Maroon and White to my core, and I am an AGGIE for life. This journey has been filled with highs and lows, through it all your love and support have never wavered. I have found myself at a crossroad, with a decision that was very difficult and required a lot of prayer and conversation with my family. I have decided that the time is right, and I will pursue my dream and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.”
“None of this is possible without my faith in God and I give him all the glory. I would like to thank my family for providing unconditional love and sacrifice, throughout my entire life. I do know that no matter when, where or how, you made it possible for me to be in this position and I can’t say thank you enough. I want to thank my Fiance for pushing me everyday on and off the field to become who I am today. What you have done for me doesn’t go unnoticed. You all are my heartbeat and I love you dearly.”
“I want to thank Coach Fisher and the entire coaching staff (past and present) at Texas A&M for giving me a chance to play college football and believing in me. I love you guys and I appreciate every hour, minute and second that you poured into my development, not only as a player but as a man. I thank all my teammates from my freshmen year to now for the relationships we built and a brotherhood that will last forever, you all made me better off the field and made my college football experience fun and full of memories I will never forget.”
“I would also like to thank the Training Staff for taking care of me and keeping me ready to play. I would also like to especially thank the Academic Staff for all the love, support, and assistance that they provided me with during my time at Texas A&M. I would also like to give a special thank you to all the support staff at the facility, from the cooks to the janitors, you played a vital role in my development. You made me a part of your daily life and accepted me as one of your own!”
“This has been an incredible experience, there is no other place like this on Earth. Running through that tunnel, hearing the roar of the 12thMan, will be what I miss most. There is nothing like the feeling you get on gameday in Aggie Land. Thank you again for everything that you have done for me, it has truly prepared me for the next chapter of my life. God Bless and as always Gig ‘Em! Jaylon Jones”
More on the 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.
The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.