Shortly after 2023 NFL DraftThe Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time adding undesignated free agents to their roster. Among this group of players was Harvard’s Truman Jones. Late in the draft cycle, I had already written about Jones and what made him such an exciting prospect.
While this was only a brief rundown of what Jones can bring to the table, further investigation into his filmography and profile reveals a uniquely versatile prospect who can do whatever he’s asked. Sometimes it seems like it fits perfectly into the scheme of bosses and culture.
All-in-one player
Jones was the Ivy League Player of the Year—in part because of his versatility and tackle. With his team defending the red zone late in the game vs FCS rated Holy Cross On the team, Jones showed what kind of player he is in just three plays.
Three massive gameplay sequences by Truman Jones.
Defense with their backs to the wall on the line.First it comes down, Jones takes over a puller, and is able to slide under it, landing without gain. pic.twitter.com/mCMukASgi7
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 10, 2023
Holy Cross wants to try hitting the ball and power running. He pulls the right guard with the intention of “knocking out” Jones and leads the way for the running back. Jones initially looks like he’s about to prepare for a big impact, but at the last second, he slides down the block to stop the running back.
There was no gain on the play, while Jones was ready to stop the run.
with 6.0 sacks during the 2023 campaign to go along with 13 tackles for lossJones was the most disruptive player in the Ivy League. He used his high football IQ and passing ability on the bottom second of that goal line.
second down
Holy Cross shows off the power of the fake QB, but the QB falls with the most protective aftermarket. Once he reads Jones’ pass, he explodes through a running back F to knock out the QB. pic.twitter.com/DMdoMld0DI
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 10, 2023
The Holy Cross quarterback pretends like he’s about to run the ball wide for a snap before stepping back. Jones doesn’t bite into the fake, and realizing the man lining him up is a fullback (not an offensive tackle), quickly dunks him with a powerful motion and rips his way into the inside gap to jump the quarterback.
This sack set up a huge third-rate play. While most assume Jones might be preparing for another rush, he has other plans.
third down
In a snap, he drops in a modified LOS spy that shows off the athletic range. Once the QB decides to go, Jones shows the acceleration and easily runs it on a first down to force a fourth down.
He took the game in a big place. Great football. pic.twitter.com/cLP8i3bzFN
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 10, 2023
Quarterback for Chris Cross, Matthew Sluka, Scored 10 rushing touchdowns in 2022 campaign and was a threat to dash within 10 yards if his initial reading was covered.
Jones knows this, and – far from surprise – falls for a spy on Sluka. He is set to play only in the middle of the field.
Sluka reads it, looking to move the ball around when you’re not there. Jones realizes this and explodes. His quick rush to the ball is excellent, and he has no problem bringing Sloka down.
This three-game sequence showed that not only was Jones ahead of the rest of his competition for most of his career, but he was also as much a cerebral player as he was a physical player. Having a knack for making big plays in big situations can always carry weight when compared to others.
special teams
Not only was Jones a defensive player, but he was an impact on special teams as well. Blocking three field goals in 2023 (and four in his career), his drive was hot and he created tremendous momentum for his team.
Truman Jones had three kicks blocked last season at Harvard. In the battle to stand out from the rest of the UDFA class, the Chiefs likely appreciated his efforts on special teams as well as his defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/fPNkUtFs9o
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 11, 2023
There isn’t much to detail on this play other than the fact that Jones is going 100 miles an hour, like he does in every play. This play took three points off the opposing team’s plate while creating a massive shift in momentum for Harvard.
Jones was a mainstay on the goal block team but did not play any other special teams stages. This does not mean that he cannot play with it. Given his high aptitude and good athleticism, it’s not entirely out of the question that Jones would find a way to be a contributor to four-stage special teams in Kansas City.
in 6’3″ and 250 lbs.He’s built like a classic hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker but has the athletic tests and skills needed to play on special teams.
With good open field and good handling 40-yard dash for his size (4.68 seconds)he can immediately be a contributor to the kick-off and match teams, and if he learns proper technique, he can become a contributor as a blocker to the kick-off and kick-off teams.
His short area penetration and locking ability can help him continue to block not only field goals but punts as well.
bottom line
Like most undrafted free agents, Jones will have a tough fight just to make the coaching staff, let alone the active roster. While the defensive end and linebacker rooms will be stocked full of talent from the free agency and draft class, Jones must find a way to stand out.
He can do this by showing his versatility, effort and efficiency during off-season training sessions and once training camp begins.
In some ways, Jones feels very similar to his now teammate, Mike Dana, in terms of what he brings to the table. They are both ‘do-it-all’ players who are highly regarded by their coaches and teammates for what they bring to the table on and off the field.
With Dana a free agent after the 2023 season, there is a possibility that the Chiefs could keep Jones in the building to continue development while he becomes Dana’s replacement in 2024.
Although he’s really a long shot to make the team, Jones has all the makings of a practice squad player to watch over the next year.