Former Duke Defensive Back Gets Another Football Opportunity
By Jovan Alford
Former Duke Blue Devils cornerback Myles Jones surprisingly went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft after spending his final college football season in Durham, North Carolina.
Jones began his collegiate career at Texas A&M (six seasons) before transferring to Duke for the 2023 season. The 6-foot-4 cornerback only played in four games last year with the Blue Devils due to a hamstring injury.
Due to his litany injuries over the last few seasons, the 6-foot-4 cornerback ultimately signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets. The 25-year-old defensive back will try to fight for a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster or practice squad.
It will be an uphill battle for Jones as he has the height and skills you want for a defensive back, but he’s an older player. Therefore, if the former Duke cornerback doesn’t make the Jets’ roster this summer, he could take his talents to the UFL.
On Wednesday, Jones was drafted in the 10th round of the 2024 UFL College Draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks.
If you aren’t familiar with the UFL’s college draft, it allows the UFL teams to hold the draft rights of players until the player reports to the team. Players eligible to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but weren’t picked (UDFAs, tryout players), would be a part of the draft pool.
The UFL could provide an excellent chance for Jones and other players to get more reps and game film if they don’t get any opportunities in the NFL. After the UFL's inaugural season ended in June, we saw multiple players get signed by NFL teams as they look to continue their football careers.
The St. Louis Battlehawks were one of the better teams in the league led by Anthony Becht and would be a good landing spot for Jones to continue to hone his skills.
More Duke Blue Devils news and analysis: