New England Patriots - NESN.com
The inking of an extension didn’t just validate Marcus Jones’ ability but also Mike Vrabel’s eye for talent.
Just go back to the lead up to the NFL draft. Mike Vrabel spoke about the value of the nickel cornerback position.
“Look how critical the nickel position has become and how dynamic that player can be. You need guys that can cover but the edges of the defense to be able to rush and affect the quarterback.”
On the heels of drafting Craig Woodson out of Cal who is versatile piece on defense but right before free agency kicked off, Vrabel did not hide his want for a difference maker in the slot.
No free agency signings were needed. Marcus Jones was entering his fourth season in the NFL, which was a prove-it year for someone that missed 18 games the two seasons prior. But Patriots fans are fully aware of his flashes too. Whether with jpunt return touchdowns or schemed up offensive scores, yes even in the lost Patrica-Judge offensive season, Jones always displayed his ability as a special talent.
Then Vrabel tabbed Jones as a team captain over Christian Gonzalez who is not just the Patriots best defensive player but one of the best corners in the league. That’s when Vrabel really displayed his belief in Jones in a move that surprised the fourth year corner himself.
Eight games, six wins and a punt return touchdown later. Mike Vrabel proved his evaluation of Jones right by giving him a three-year extension and keeping him apart of one of the top defenses in the league for the foreseeable future.
