The Southeastern Conference recently released its preseason All-SEC teams, as voted on by members of the media ahead of the 2026 season, with Mississippi State defensive back Kelley Jones landing on the second team.
Bryant McFadden believes that wasn’t nearly enough.
The two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers thinks Jones is not only a first-team caliber player, but also has the talent to become the NFL’s next elite defensive back.
“I can tell you this much: If he takes it seriously this year, he will be a top 10 pick,” McFadden said on SportsTalk Mississippi.
McFadden took the praise a step further, comparing Jones to one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks: Sauce Gardner.
“If Kelley is listening to me, please take it seriously. Take the game seriously. You have an opportunity to make a boatload of money. I don’t know what he’s making NIL-wise, but he is the Sauce Gardner of college football,” McFadden said.
That’s lofty praise considering Gardner was the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 2022 and has twice been named a first-team All-Pro. Before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts midseason last year, Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the New York Jets that made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
“He’s the @iamSauceGardner of college football”
Two time Super Bowl champ @BMac_SportsTalk loves what he sees from @HailStateFB star cornerback @kelleyjones511. McFadden tells @brianhadad at SEC Media Days the Bulldog defender can be a millionaire if he just follows one piece… pic.twitter.com/KloQoNAi7M
— SportsTalk Mississippi (@SportsTalkMiss) July 28, 2026
McFadden knows a thing or two about playing cornerback himself. The former Florida State standout spent seven seasons in the NFL and sees plenty of traits in Jones that will translate to Sundays.
“He is rangy, he is lengthy, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think if he stood up straight, he could scratch his ankles without bending over. He has long arms. That’s a serious attribute to have, and the thing I love about him is the development,” McFadden explained.
“The athleticism is there, and he’s a willing participant in the running game. Those are the guys I like. And he’s 6-foot-4, 197 pounds,” the now-media personality continued.
READ MORE: Kelley Jones looks to be next great NFL DB from Mississippi State
One of the moments from Jones’ sophomore season that was prime proof of development, per McFadden, was an interception Jones reeled in against Texas. At the time, quarterback Arch Manning had two receivers run a scissors concept, one running a post route and the other running a corner route crossing at the top.
“My favorite game was (against) Texas at home for Mississippi State,” McFadden recounted. “Jones was covering the post route, but because he had disciplined eyes, he was able to come off on the post and intercept the seven-cut (corner route). You don’t usually see that in college football. That’s league-like play. That’s league adjustment.”
After a redshirt freshman season in 2024 that included 29 tackles and one pass breakup, Jones broke onto the scene as a redshirt sophomore. In 2025, he became a full-time starter and tallied 34 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and two interceptions.
The Clarksdale native will look to build on those numbers when Mississippi State’s season begins next month, and if he can do that, he is a shoo-in to hear his name called on the opening night of the NFL Draft – at least if you ask McFadden.
