Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane was re-signed earlier this offseason to play a couple more stints and serve as a mentor for the younger players. Among those is second-year DT Justin Jones, who he believes has a bright future.
“The sky’s the limit for him. I think he has the potential to be a Pro Bowler. It’s been real good to see the progress that he’s making,” Mebane said about Jones, per ESPN’s Eric D. Williams.
Jones was unable to make his presence known until the postseason against the Ravens and Patriots. The former North Carolina State product flashed, posting six tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack in two games. On the season, Jones amassed 26 tackles and a half-sack in 15 games.
Going into 2019, Jones was eager to take the next step. He completely revamped his diet, changed his workout routine and as a result, he lost 21 pounds.
“I do feel a lot better. I feel a lot lighter, I feel a lot faster just because it’s not sitting on me all the time…(I’m) A couple pounds lighter, but I definitely feel lighter. That’s the important part,” Jones said.
Center Mike Pouncey even praised Jones, calling him a “totally different football player.”
“He’s a guy that’s probably our most improved football player from year one to year two, and you can tell. He’s out here making plays every day, and if he can play like that the whole year, our defense is going to be really, really good,” Pouncey said.
Los Angeles added Jerry Tillery and Cortez Broughton in the draft and also re-signed Mebane and Damion Square but that shouldn’t hinder Jones’ playing time in 2019. He should see an uptick of snaps from 2018, whether it’s as a nose tackle or three-technique.
