Boise State product and safety Tyreque Jones was one of several undrafted free agents the Tennessee Titans signed following the 2023 NFL draft and hosted at rookie minicamp a few weeks back.
Jones appeared in 48 games over six years with the Broncos, totaling 157 tackles (12 for loss), four interceptions, 14 passes defensed and one sack.
Jones enters a pretty good situation in Tennessee in terms of his chances to make the roster or practice squad, as the Titans are very thin at safety behind the projected starters, Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker.
In order to get more information on Jones, we perused some scouting reports on him and compiled them together in one place. Let’s see what experts had to say about the Boise State product.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
SUMMARY: Tyreque Jones grew up outside of Los Angeles and started his prep career as a quarterback at Kaiser High. He transferred to San Gorgonio High for his senior season and caught 52 passes for 1,128 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding 77 tackles and two interceptions. A three-star recruit, Jones signed with Boise State, and he quickly became part of the safety rotation, setting career-bests in 2021. He moved to nickelback in 2022 as a super senior with mixed results. Jones offers above-average straight-line speed in coverage and when giving chase in the run game. With his physicality, he looks to run through ball carriers, but cares more about
striking than wrap-tackling. Against the pass, he sees plays develop, but he lacks the short area balance and burst to stay connected to routes. Overall, Jones has impressive length and zone instincts, but his low batting average as a tackler and tight coverage transitions will be high hurdles to clear in the NFL.GRADE: Priority Free Agent
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Overview
Box safety featuring good size and closing speed but a lack of fluidity to hold up to man-coverage duties as a pro. Jones plays with good toughness and a willingness to mix it up near the line of scrimmage. He’s capable in short zone coverage or against certain in-line tight ends, but he loses effectiveness when playing in reverse. Jones’ extreme length will catch the attention of traits-hungry teams, but those same teams will face limitations in how they are able use him.
Strengths
Rare wingspan for the position.
Can be tough to throw over in short zone coverage.
Closing speed to track down wide-flowing runs.
Flashed talent needed to take on blockers near the line.
Brings a run-and-hit mentality to the field.
Weaknesses
Does not have fluidity to withstand open-field coverage.
Unable to transition quickly enough to stay connected to the route.
Leggy and lacking body control in his change of direction.
Erratic as tackle finisher.
Will need to run his feet through contact.
The NFL Draft Bible, Sports Illustrated
Evaluation:
Jones took official measurements at the Shrine Bowl. He’s 6015 and weighs 194 lbs. He has 9 1/2-inch hands, 33 7/8-inch arms, and an 81 1/8-inch wingspan. Jones is a special teams ace with more than 400 college special teams snaps split between the kick coverage, punt return, punt coverage, and field goal block units. He spent time in every possible defensive back role during his five seasons with playing time at Boise State but primarily lined up in the box and slot. Jones has long arms and room to add additional mass to his frame. His long arms expand his tackle radius. Jones is aggressive coming downhill to make plays against the run and displays closing burst. He shows high effort in pursuit and fights to set a hard edge against the run. The All-Mountain West honorable mention uses his length to challenge and lock out blockers. He gets into the blocker’s chest, allowing him to steer blockers or disengage when needed. Jones lacks the speed and twitch to carry every tight end and slot receiver, but he has enough speed to cover most tight ends and running backs. The California native is an older prospect with a high-hipped and lean build. He lacks sideline-to-sideline range and doesn’t have significant ball production. Jones plays fast, which sometimes leads to him flying past the ball carrier or sliding off tackles. His block deconstruction skills are still a work in progress. The sixth-year safety has limited agility to mirror tight ends and suffers from some lower body stiffness. He’s at his best when working near the line of scrimmage instead of in deep zones.
Grade:
6th Round
Damian Parson, The Draft Network
Jones is a rotational nickel/safety defender that will offer value on special teams. He is not a day-one starter but can sub into games with specific packages. His versatility is valuable, as he will be prepared to handle run and pass responsibilities.
Top Reasons to Buy In:
Coachability
Alignment versatility
Good size/physical build
Top Reasons For Concern:
Tackling
Range
Blocking shedding
TDN Consensus Grade: 73.00/100 (Fourth-Round Value)
Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
Strengths: Patient and instinctive safety who stays with assignments. Explosive, plays smart, tough football, and lays it on the line. Keeps the action in front of him, quickly picks up coverage assignments, and has a nice move to the throw. Shows good hands for the interception. Fires upfield and gives effort defending the run.
Weaknesses: Not quick or fluid pedaling in reverse. Lacks great range in center field. Struggles tracking the ball and gets lost in coverage. Lacks a great burst to the ball out of his plant.
Overall: Jones possesses the size, football intellect, and toughness to get consideration as a zone safety.
