Jones was widely considered to be one of the top three cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, but the injury could knock him out of the first round.
Former Washington star Sidney Jones, widely considered one of the top three cornerback prospects entering next month’s NFL draft, suffered a torn Achilles in his left leg during his final drill of UW’s Pro Day workout Saturday, sources told The Seattle Times.
It’s unclear how long Jones’ recovery will be — generally, one can resume activities six months after surgery for an Achilles tear — but it’s an injury that could drop him out of the first round of the draft.
Working out before some 50 NFL scouts, Jones tumbled to the turf while doing a backpedaling drill and immediately grabbed his left leg.
UW teammate Budda Baker, running through the same drills, offered a hand to help Jones to his feet. UW coach Chris Petersen and team trainer Rob Scheidegger then helped Jones to the sideline at UW’s Dempsey Indoor facility.
Jones was later carted out of the building and examined at the UW Medical Center.
“It’s really tough, just because Sidney’s one of our best friends, all of our best friends (and) he’s a great prospect coming out,” Baker said. “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.”
Former UW teammates Baker, Kevin King and Brandon Beaver were working through the same drills.
“I’m not really too sure about what’s going on, but we pray for him,” King said. “I hope he’s all right … because y’all have seen the film. You know what he can do. Whoever comes to get him, he’ll be an asset from Day 1. That’s my boy and I’ll say a prayer for him.”
Jones, who measured in at 6-feet and 186 pounds at the NFL Combine last weekend, was ranked as the draft’s No. 1 cornerback by Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.
A two-time all-Pac-12 first-team selection, Jones had eight interceptions in three seasons as a starter for the Huskies. Quarterbacks rarely threw to Jones’ side of the field, and he did not allow a single touchdown reception in coverage in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus.
He declared for the NFL draft in January, opting to forgo his senior season.
Ross runs routes
John Ross III, one week after running a record 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, ran routes and caught passes from former Skyline High quarterback Jake Heaps for about 10 minutes at UW’s Pro Day. Ross did not run the 40 again.
“I had a good time,” Ross said. “It was good to be finishing this process and heading on to something bigger.”
He chuckled when asked if his life had changed in the week since his record dash.
“I wouldn’t say my life has changed. I’m definitely getting more noticed,” he said. “But I’ve been running fast for a long time, so it’s kind of normal for me. I’m still thankful.”
A projected first-round pick, Ross is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum he suffered during UW’s victory over Stanford in September. He’s hoping to receive a formal invitation to attend the draft in Philadelphia on April 27.