Titans Undrafted Defensive Lineman Still Improving

When it comes to the strength of the Tennessee Titans defense, one of their top linemen was an undrafted free agent who continues to improve.

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE -  Entering his third season with the Tennessee Titans, former undrafted free agent Naquan Jones has become a key component in the team's defensive line rotation. 

The former Michigan State Spartan signed with the Titans in May of 2021 and, against the odds, managed to win a place on the team's 53-man roster, where he appeared in 13 games, with five starts, while collecting 29 tackles, including 2.5 sacks, four stops for loss, four quarterback pressures and two passes defended during his rookie campaign. 

Since then, Jones has continued to improve and is considered a top member of the defensive front, in random with fellow undrafted free agent Teair Tart and Jeffery Simmons to form one of the best defensive tackle groups in the league. 

During the recently concluded minicamp, Titans assistant head coach and defensive line coach Terrell Williams was asked about Jones, who Tart has overshadowed since Jones arrived in Nashville. 

"I mean, both were undrafted, but (he) just keep continuing to get better and availability, and healthy, and, practice, and do all of those things, " said Williams. "He's had a good offseason, and we'll finish up today and kind of go away from each other and see where he is when training camp starts." 

Rated as the No. 22 defensive tackle by Scout, No. 23 by 247Sports, No. 24 by Rivals, and No. 31 by ESPN, the former Evanston Township (Ill.) High School standout, who stands 6-foot-3, 313 pounds, Jones had a stellar career for the Spartans but fell to the undrafted ranks, allowing him to sign with the Titans.

It has been a win-win situation for both player and team, as Jones has realized his NFL dreams while providing the Titans with a quality player at a bargain price. 

Jones signed his deal in 2021 and is due $940,000 in 2023,  and he will become a restricted free agent in 2024.       

Jones will continue to work to improve when he and his teammates return to Nashville for training camp that begins on July 25.  

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