The USC Trojans have a deep array of 2024 NFL Draft prospects on their roster for this college football season. Senior running back Austin Jones has the opportunity to take on a larger role this fall, and we’re diving into Jones’ scouting report to break down his strengths and weaknesses.
Austin Jones Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 200
- School: USC
- Age: 22
Jones’ first season at USC set a new line of career highs after he played three years at Stanford. Though Jones was primarily a complementary back to Travis Dye, he totaled 135 carries and 25 receptions for 972 total yards and six scores. It was by far Jones’ most efficient season to date.
Though Jones may again be a backup this fall after MarShawn Lloyd transferred in from South Carolina, the fifth-year senior will be looking to elevate his game before entering the NFL.
Austin Jones Scouting Report
Strengths
- Jones has quick feet, increasing his effectiveness on inside-zone runs where subtle direction changes make a difference.
- He plays bigger than his listed weight despite having a thin lower body. Jones can withstand contact better than expected for his weight and will continue getting upfield.
- Committed to sticking to the scheme and intended gap, which helps consistently produce positive yards and avoid setting the offense back.
- He’s an efficient player who can produce in only a few touches if that’s all he needs. Takes advantage of his opportunities.
- Capable receiver who was often more impressive out of the backfield as he was as a ball carrier. Helps his third-down value for the next level.
Weaknesses
- Slight build that has an explicit limitation for his role outlook. It’s hard to imagine he’ll be more than a rotational second or third back on a roster.
- Jones’ explosiveness is limited to short areas and bursts. He won’t find big plays independently due to mediocre speed and an inability to break away in the open field.
- Can be too content to execute what’s asked of him. This led to some examples of running into blockers instead of creating opportunities when nothing was there.
- Not a significant contributor as a pass blocker due to his upright frame and struggles to hold his ground against bigger defenders.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
It’s not a great time to be a running back who isn’t one of the very elite athletes in the NFL. A rotational backup rusher’s career depends highly on being in the right scheme, staying healthy, and maximizing opportunities.
Jones has some physical limitations concerning his overall upside, but he’s played well as both a workhorse and a backup throughout his career. That bodes well for him earning consideration as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
He carries a borderline draftable grade after considering how the NFL has devalued the position and the high number of quality backs available.
Jones’ stock can rise if he continues to evolve as a creative rusher and improves his impact as a pass blocker. Though his physical build won’t change much, mastering the nuance of the position can endear him to coaches looking for a trusted option.
Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Ensure your player rankings are up to date on the 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and you know what every NFL team needs before drafting.