Colts Rookie Jaylon Jones: ‘Our Season is Still Very Much Alive’

Indianapolis Colts rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones has been a first-year revelation. The No. 221 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has played 469 defensive snaps for a young, ascending secondary that is exceeding expectations.

Jones’ pro-ready qualities have allowed him to thrive in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s demanding scheme.

Jones recently spoke exclusively with Horseshoe Huddle. He discussed his rookie year success, acclimating to Bradley’s defense, practicing against Michael Pittman Jr., and more. Jones also discussed the 8-7 Colts' chances to win the AFC South.

JM: That was a difficult loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans also lost, making it a three-way tie in the AFC South. You’re still fighting for the division title. What was head coach Shane Steichen’s message in the locker room following the Falcons defeat?

Jones: We know that it wasn’t our best performance. We have to be better. Like you said, our season is still very much alive. We’re still fighting for everything that we want to achieve this season. We have two regular-season games left. We want to make a run at a Super Bowl. That’s the message in our locker room right now.

JM: You essentially control your own playoff destiny. Do you believe this Colts team can win the AFC South?

Jones: We most definitely do. We’re a great team with a bunch of great guys inside that locker room. We’re capable of getting the job done. We control our destiny. It’s all in our hands now. We just have to go out there and execute on Sunday like we know we can.

JM: You’ve played 469 defensive snaps this season as a seventh-round pick. It’s fair to say you’re exceeding expectations. What is it about your skill set and approach that has allowed you to contribute right away?

Jones: The biggest thing for me has been trying to stay consistent and disciplined. If I’m doing those two things, adding that to my God-given abilities, great things will continue happening for me. Those are the things that come to my mind when I think about the rookie season I’m having. Consistency and discipline.

JM: Talk to me about adjusting to playing in Gus Bradley’s defense and his Cover-3 looks. That makes your season even more impressive to me, it’s not an easy system to learn. What’s that process been like for you?

Jones: Having a coach like Coach Bradley has been amazing. Defensive backs coach Ron Milus, assistant defensive backs coach Mike Mitchell, they’ve all been amazing. They’ve helped me out tremendously since day one.

I’ve learned a lot about football through them. I have some amazing veterans in the room with me as well. Since my arrival, everybody has been extremely collaborative and helpful. They’re the reason why I’ve been able to thrive in this defense.

JM: How does the scheme fit your skill set?

Jones: We play a lot of press man coverage on the outside. With JuJu Brents and I being big cornerbacks, I feel like we both use length to our advantage. We play physically because that’s our makeup. Combining our skill set with Coach Bradley’s defensive mind, it’s been a match made in heaven. It goes hand in hand with our style of defense.

JM: You’re going up against bigger body guys like Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. in practice, and also the smaller shiftier types like Josh Downs. How have they made you a better cornerback?

Jones: Going up against those guys in practice every single day definitely makes game day easier. They’re great, great receivers. They get the job done for us on the offensive side of the ball. We go hard in practice. I’m being prepared by receiving the best looks possible. When it comes to game time, it’s easier. I play faster because of what I’m seeing in practice.

JM: It wasn’t the result you wanted, but I thought you played an outstanding game versus the Falcons on Sunday. Pro Football Focus credited you with allowing zero catches on three targets. Do you feel like you’re improving as the season moves forward?

Jones: I’m learning different things and techniques every single day. My motto is to get 1% better every single day. I definitely feel like I’ve learned different things from watching the tape as the season goes by.

I’m taking the knowledge I’m receiving from the coaching staff and our veteran players and I’m applying it on Sundays. You can learn a lot from watching the film. All of those things have made me a better football player. I just try to get better every single day.

JM: You covered a lot of great receivers at Texas A&M, but the NFL is a different ballgame. Who’s the best receiver you’ve covered thus far?

Jones: I’ve gone up against a lot of great talent already. I’ve played against some guys that will probably be in the Hall of Fame one day. I have to mention practice again though. I’m going up against Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, Alec Pierce. They’re definitely on that list of the best receivers I’ve had to cover.

You go up against a talented receiver every single week in the NFL. That’s what the league is all about. I’ve gone up against a lot of great talent, but I haven’t seen anyone better than who I’m seeing at practice.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What are Jaylon Jones’ goals for the remainder of the 2023 season?

Jones: My goal is to continue putting my team in the best position to win our remaining games. I want to go on a playoff run. I want to win a Super Bowl.