NASHVILLE - Ben Jones cast a long shadow over the center position for the Tennessee Titans as their starting center for the past seven seasons.
It's now Aaron Brewer's job to fill the role Jones handled so capably since he signed with the Titans as a free agent following the 2016 season. But it was more than just his play on the field. Jones was a leader for both the offensive line and the team.
His larger-than-life personality made him a favorite of his teammates, fans, and media. While no one expects the undrafted Brewer to be an exact clone of his predecessor, they need him to be at least part of what Jones was for this team, a player on the field.
Offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling met with the media before Wednesday's final practice of the team's offseason program, where he was asked about Brewer.
"I think everyone's got things to work on," said Houghtaling. "Brew's done a nice job of coming in and trying to work on things he's done well and the things that have gotten him to this point. He's kinda increased those characteristics or those skills, I guess. And then also fix some of the things that he's had issues with in the past."
"There's a variety of different techniques that he's done well and done poorly that we're trying to work on, " continued Houghtaling. "So, it's kinda like a plan every day. We'll go out and fix something or enhance something every day. But the thing about minicamp and really the entire OTAs is iron sharpens iron, and good players on both sides of the ball, and I think all the interactions between those guys and all the competition has been good for everybody."
As for Brewer, he shared his feeling about where he is at this time following the practice session.
"I feel like I'm at a solid point, but you know, no matter where you are or what year you're in, there's always something to work on," said Brewer. "Nobody's perfect, but we're working towards perfection."
"It's just little things you need to clean up on, like details, little technique things. It's communications; it's working on being a better leader every day, so those are the things I need to work on right now."
Brewer and his teammates will now take some time away from football for the final time before reporting to training camp on July 25.
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