Marcus Jones
CB, Houston · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #85 (NWE)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Nothing in our pre-draft data flagged him as a steal: his age, school, testing and position profile looked like a typical pick in his range. The gap opened after the draft, on the field.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #91 (#12 at his position), close to where he went (#85). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Houston: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Combine
Invited to the Combine but no 40 time on record (skipped or injured).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (4,704 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
CB (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 47 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~69%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 54 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 26 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.7 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 28.7 |
| Rushing | 1 att, 5 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 5 rec, 96 yds, 1 TD |
| Defense | 150 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Combine Invited to the Combine | 50.6% n=4,704 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 8", 174 lbs |
| Arm / hand | 29" / 8.5" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #91 overall (#12 CB) |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 82 | DeAngelo Malone | redraft #165 |
| 83 | Nakobe Dean | redraft #74 |
| 84 | DeMarvin Leal | redraft #167 |
| 86 | Malik Willis | redraft #126 |
| 87 | Cameron Thomas | redraft #148 |
| 88 | Jalen Tolbert | redraft #120 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.