A dash of Slash in Jacksonville

The Jaguars' surprise first-round selection of Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones and their plan to convert him to wide receiver elicited plenty of second-guessing from critics on draft day.

But just two weeks into his rookie season, Jones is making the doubters think twice with his freakish blend of size, speed, sure hands and versatility.

"I've never seen anyone like him, because there isn't a lot he can't do," Jaguars offensive coordinator Carl Smith says of the NFL's newest "Slash."

That's why the Jaguars plan to have the 6-6, 242-pound Jones do just about everything short of working the concession stands at Alltel Stadium this season. In his first two games, Jones has four carries and three receptions, and he has run the option as a quarterback.

Jones' biggest impact will come in the red zone. The Jaguars had the NFL's second-worst red zone touchdown percentage last season but figure to improve on that this year by throwing jump balls to Jones, who also played basketball at Arkansas.

Although the coaches say Jones remains a work in progress at wide receiver because he doesn't run crisp routes, he's a quick learner and figures to get by on his impressive athletic skills, such as his 4.37 speed, in the meantime.

"He's our Swiss Army knife," running back Fred Taylor says.

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