Dre’Mont Jones started his NFL career as a 280-plus-pound defensive tackle. In recent seasons, however, he has dropped roughly 15 pounds as he transitioned to outside linebacker.
Part of that process has included taking up yoga and Pilates, something he has doubled down on this offseason.
“My mobility has been my biggest thing I’ve been working on this year, doing a lot of Pilates/yoga just to make my core stronger, make my balance better. I’ve been doing a lot of that. So a big shout out to my yoga/Pilates
instructor,” Jones told reporters Thursday.
“I’ve done it a little bit in the past, but this year I’m really, like, attacking it because it helped. I saw how much it helped last year. I’m like, ‘Alright, I gotta do this more and more and make it part of my regimen.’”
Playing for both the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens last season, the weight loss helped Jones post career highs in quarterback hits (24) and sacks (7), including a pair of sacks against Drake Maye across two matchups.
Beyond transforming his body, Jones has also adjusted to the on-field differences that come with rushing from the edge compared to the interior.
“Vision. The speed of when you’ll get touch, the athleticism comparison between a guard and a center compared to a tackle,” he explained. “You’ve got to deal with different things like chips, whether it’s a tight end or a running back — you’ve got to be alert. And the spacing, those are the differences between the two.
Reaching free agency this offseason, New England was quick to agree with Jones on a three-year, $39 million deal during the legal tampering period to help boost their pass rusher. Jones believes he can do just that and build on his career-season.
“Just getting a chance to hone in my game. I think I’m a player that can just develop more and more every year, especially me switching positions a couple of years ago, going from d-tackle to outside linebacker now,” Jones said. “I think I have a lot of growth in my game. I think I still do. I’m not old or anything, so I’m looking forward to how the season works out for me.”
