Silver And Black Pride
Weighing in at 335 pounds, Benito Jones is one of the heaviest players on the Las Vegas Raiders roster. And that’s a good thing.
The 6-foot-1 defensive tackle provides the requisite mass to both draw attention from multiple blockers and be a run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Silver & Black defensive line as a nose tackle. Brought onto the roster on May 13 after the team waived fellow nose tackle Brodric Martin, Jones brings valuable experience as a starting defensive tackle in the NFL — he spent time with both the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans in his five years in the NFL — and that’s sorely needed for a relatively young group of mammoth nose tackles in Las Vegas.
Having started 38 of the 71 games he’s played since entering the league with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi, Jones knows the rigors of NFL life. And that knowledge imparted on the Raiders’ youth can prove is invaluable. This past season, the Mississippi native started eight games (played in 14) for Miami and while he may be a later addition to Las Vegas roster, he has a high likelihood of making the team.
By The Numbers
Benito Jones, Nose Tackle, 6th year
Jones’ ability and presence certainly helps the Raiders, but the team’s long-term plan at a key position group is a concern. We’ll explore both below.
For defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s 3-4 front to truly work, there must be a domineering presence in the middle of three-down linemen. The nose tackle is the space-eater intended to clog the interior, occupy blocks, use their strength to anchor and not move, and push the pocket when asked.
Jones proved he can get that done over the course of his career with the 2023 and 2024 seasons — split between the Lions and Dolphins — as his most productive, statistically. Using his 6-foot-1, 335-pound frame and country strength, Jones is a classic interior clogger who ties up multiple blockers and frees up linebackers and other defenders to make plays while he draws attention.
With functional strength to anchor and provide an immovable object in the middle, Jones has the ability to shed both double teams and one-on-one blocks to stymie the ball carrier as a true 3-4 front nose tackle. He also provides surprising pocket pressure when given the opportunity, as Pro Football Reference charted the defensive tackle with 16 career pressures, four quarterback hurries, and 3.5 sacks.
Gaudy statistics don’t tend to be a nose tackle’s calling card, so if you’re unimpressed with Jones’ career numbers, don’t be surprised.
What helps bolster Jones’ roster chances are two-fold: First, Leonard is familiar with the nose tackle having been on the Dolphins’ coaching staff as an...
