Buffalo Bills: Can Cardale Jones Develop into the Long-term Starter?
By Paul Taylor
Freshly signed to a four-year deal, Cardale Jones knows there is a lot of hard work ahead of him, but does he have what it takes to eventually become the Buffalo Bills long-term starter at quarterback?
Tuesday was a big day for Cardale Jones, as he became the final member of the Buffalo Bills 2016 draft class to sign a contract. After signing a four-year deal, he was heard to remark they’d saved the best for last.
Whether Jones was joking or not, this does lead to questions about what the future holds for him in Western New York. Does he have what it takes to eventually become the Bill starter, or will he have to settle for being a career backup?
Certainly, the 23-year old has an enticing combination of size and toughness, along with a rocket for an arm. However, this is countered by a lack of playing time in college, although he did show a penchant for performing in big games whenever he did get on the field.
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From his perspective, Jones appears to have the right approach to his current situation. Speaking to Bills Insider Chris Brown, he said: “I am going in here knowing Tyrod is our starter (and) EJ (Manuel) is our backup.
“I am going in here learning, working as hard as I can working with Coach (David) Lee in the film room, on and off the field. Whatever happens after that I guess is just a product of great circumstances.”
In many respects, the Cleveland, Ohio native is in the ideal situation with the Bills. With Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel in front of him, he has plenty of time to develop, rather than being rushed into action.
At the same time, Jones might not have to wait too long for his opportunity, especially with Manuel set to leave after the 2016 season, when his contract expires. Any future prospects could also tie into what happens with Taylor, who apparently needs another standout campaign, before the Bills decide whether to commit to him.
For now though, the Bills 2016 fourth round draft pick will learn all he can from his two colleagues, as he told Brown: “Just understanding that they went through the same exact thing I’m going through now.
“They’re kind of helping me get through those hurdles and speed bumps as painlessly as possible. I’m getting a lot of positive feedback and they’re letting me know that I’m a rookie and this time next year I’ll feel 10 times more comfortable than I do now.”
One of the biggest questions about Jones is to wonder if he is capable of taking complete command of an offense? This concern is best exemplified by his inability to take full advantage last season with the Buckeyes, after being handed the starting job.
The 2014 Big Ten Championship Game MVP is doing his best to alleviate any such worries. He has spent the last month working hard to learn the Bills offensive playbook, while also making sure he gets his reps in during practice.
From Jones perspective, he is encouraged by the progress he has made, especially in running the huddle: “Just really communicating the plays from the sidelines to the huddle and understanding what I’m doing on each play.
“It’s a lot of verbiage in the offense sometimes. I don’t know quite everything yet like I want to know, but it’s a work in progress.”
Fortunately for the 2015 CFP national champion, he has time on his side. Now, it’s up to him to take advantage of this situation, and show what he’s capable of.
Next: When will Kyle Williams return to action?
While any scenario is up in the air right now, what are you predicting for Cardale Jones moving forward? Do you see him as an eventual starter or do you think he’ll be a career backup? Let us know in the comments section below.