The 2016 NFL scouting combine is pretty much over for Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury on his second 40-yard dash attempt.
According to various media reports, the 6-foot-5, 253-pound Jones will not continue testing or throwing at the combine after coming up lame at the end of what was unofficially clocked as a 4.85-second 40 on Saturday. On his first 40 attempt, Jones ran an unofficial 4.83.
No jinx, but his college coach, Urban Meyer, was a guest on the NFL Network crew and was pumping up Jones' stock, saying that Jones stood to "move up in the draft today" after talking directly with NFL teams. Jones met with the media this week and said he was excited to augment his limited college tape by turning in a good workout at the combine.
"I’m really looking forward to the running part of it, the 40 and the vertical," Jones said on Thursday. "I mean, dropping back and throwing the ball to guys in shorts and shirts, I don’t think that’s going to wow many people when I don’t have any pressure, I don’t have to avoid anything.
"Maybe a couple of drills, but I think the combine’s going to be a good time to show what I can do but I don’t think too many people’s going to say he had a great combine, he’s going to be the best quarterback to ever play the game."
Now that chance is gone. The injury will prevent Jones from throwing. Ohio State's pro day is on March 11, so Jones has less than two weeks to heal.
Despite not losing a start in college, Jones attempted only 269 passes in 23 career games at Ohio State, with 15 TD passes, seven interceptions and six rushing touchdowns. He helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in the 2014 season by coming in for injured starter J.T. Barrett and flourishing down the stretch. Jones considered declaring for the draft a year ago but returned to Ohio State, only to be replaced by Barrett midseason.
Jones stands as a wild card in a muddled quarterback group, and he had a chance to boost his stock with strong combine and pro day performances. Now there is some doubt about his ability to do that.
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