The Colts are one of several teams who have shown interest in USC running back Austin Jones, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
Melo would add that Jones attended the Raiders, 49ers, and Chargers local Pro Days. Along with the Colts, he’s also garnered interest from the Texans and Dolphins.
Jones measures in at just under 5-10 and weighs 200 pounds. He posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 5.73, which included a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical.
Jones has 495 career rushing attempts over his five-year career, the first three of which came at Stanford and the last two at USC.
During his two-season span with the Trojans, Jones averaged 5.3 yards per rush on 218 carries in a rotational role, scoring 12 touchdowns, and had no fumbles.
Jones will bring passing game experience to the NFL, with 122 career targets, where he averaged 8.5 yards per catch with three additional touchdowns. He has some experience lining up in the slot and out wide but spent almost all of his time in the backfield.
Jones also has a fair amount of special teams experience, having played 336 total snaps across three different phases.
For a closer look at Jones, here is a snippet of what Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network had to say last summer in his scouting report:
“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.”
Generally speaking, running back is a position that the Colts don’t have to address at all. Leading the way is Jonathan Taylor, and competing for the backup role is Tyler Goodson, Evan Hull, a 2023 draft pick, and Trey Sermon, who the team re-signed this offseason.
But with that said, there are also unknowns with this trio, given the lack of overall experience as well. Perhaps is GM Chris Ballard wants to further boost the competition, he will look to add to this position on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
A running back who can not only impact the game as a ball carrier but also hold his own in pass protection and as a pass catcher will be important aspects to competing for playing time in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Jones is likely to be a late Day 3 pick or undrafted signee.
“I’m going to make a big impact at the next level,” said Jones via The Draft Network. “Whichever team gets me is getting a leader in the locker room. I’m the ultimate competitor. I’m a straight-up dog, a playmaker at the end of the day. I’ll do whatever it takes to get on the field. I’ll play special teams and do whatever it takes to get on the field.
“Of course, I want to play running back, but I’ll do whatever it takes to prove myself to the coaching staff.”