Patriots Draft ‘Next Devin Hester’ With Impressive Highlight Reel

The New England Patriots entered the 2022 NFL Draft with a few major needs and their most recent pick has incredible highlight reel.

The Patriots used the 85^th overall pick to get cornerback and kick/punt returner Marcus Jones. Head coach Bill Belichick saw something on the speedy player and now Jones has a chance to do something great in New England. Jones is an incredible nickel corner, but Belichick will probably get the best of his return game. In his college career, Jones had nine return touchdowns.

Marcus on the move.#PatsDraft | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/9KDCEoRqfh

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 30, 2022

Scott Knudsen from Sports Illustrated discussed Jones’ deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Is he really “the next Devin Hester”?

“Some draft experts are tabbing him “the next Devin Hester,” Knudsen wrote. “Yes, that sound was the emergency brake being engaged. That’s some high praise for a Houston Cougar most have never heard of. The tape has been spun, and the analysis is thorough. Some draft experts suggest that he might be a third-round pick.”

NFL analysts like Patriots draft pick, discuss player’s highlight reel

There were several predictions about Jones’ next home. He was linked to many teams, but the Patriots were lucky enough to get him. Jones is not really big, but his skillset is insane. In 2021, he had 36 tackles, 5 interceptions, 2 kickoff return touchdowns, 1 punt return TD, 10 receptions for 109 yards for a touchdown, and 2 rushing attempts.

“This seems to be a very instinctive and determined football player packed into a slight 5-8, 175-pound frame – which maybe makes him a slot corner,” Knudsen wrote. “He’s a tenacious cornerback with ball skills … but it’s the other side of the bird solidifying the overall appeal. The young man is a return aficionado, and the Cowboys could benefit greatly from this skill set.”

Connor Rogers from Bleacher report joined Jones’ fanbase. According to him, Jones is “one of the best returners” he has ever seen.

Lance Zierlein spotted Jones and his potential, comparing him to former Kansas City Chiefs legend Dante Hall. Hall and Hester had bigger impact than any other returner in the NFL.

"One of the best returners of punt and kick I've seen in my entire life." – @ConnorJRogers https://t.co/kDdqAOUCmW

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 30, 2022

How will the Patriots use Jones’ potential? Zierlein discussed the chance to see him as the next Patriots receiver.

Do not be surprised to see Bill Belichick find ways to use Marcus Jones not only as a slot corner, but also as a receiver. He was absolutely unguardable getting in and out of his routes when he was given receiver reps at Houston. Electric with the ball in his hands.

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 30, 2022