While he has had his issues with draft picks over the years, Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson has done a good job finding players by other means like he did with 2021 undrafted free agent, Naquan Jones.
Jones, who didn’t make the initial 53-man roster and didn’t play a single snap in the first three games, has earned himself a regular role with the team since Week 4, and he’s been getting a chance to start lately with fellow defensive lineman Teair Tart dealing with injury.
In fact, upon Tart’s return in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, it was Jones who got the start at nose tackle. It remains to be seen if that was just the Titans easing Tart back in, or if Jones has taken over the starting role.
When asked about what first stood out about Jones upon joining the Titans, head coach Mike Vrabel was quite colorful in his response.
“He (Jones) ran his fat ass to the ball… That’s what got him noticed” Vrabel said, bluntly, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
From there, Vrabel says Jones worked on his technique and other things that have helped him improve and get playing time. The rookie has averaged 25 snaps per game in the 12 contests he’s suited up in.
That answer was enough to warrant a response from Jones, who took to Twitter shortly after to share his reaction.
🤣🤣 ima let this one slide https://t.co/FiPp7mRsFI
— Naquan Jones 9️⃣3️⃣ (@thealmightynay) December 29, 2021
Jones has appeared in 12 games for the Titans this season, making four starts. Not only has he had an impact as a run defender, but as a pass-rusher as well, notching 2.5 sacks. He’ll look to continue his impressive rookie season when Tennessee meets Miami in Week 17 at Nissan Stadium.
