Tennessee Titans 2022 undrafted free agent running back Julius Chestnut has been one of the biggest surprises to come off the initial 53-man roster out of training camp over the past two years.
After an impressive preseason showing in 2023, Chestnut once again appeared in the Titans' first three games, playing mostly on special teams.
Unfortunately, Chestnut suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns.
“It's been tough, it's been an adjustment for sure,” Chestnut said, per Jim White. “But there were people around me helping me, and I tried to use the time to improve.”
Chestnut is not under contract for 2024, but he is a free agent without exclusive rights, so the Giants have control over him if they want to bring him back, which is something we suggested they should do, because he would be a strong option to compete for. Depth/special teams role.
But if Chestnut wants to be more than just a backup, he'll have to improve multiple aspects of his game, something he's been working on after rehabbing his injury.
“I've really spent time trying to improve my weaknesses, trying to be better in the passing game, trying to catch more, doing things like that, focusing on my conditioning,” he said.
“When you get to the NFL, you don't really know how well you're going to fit in, or what it's going to be like,” Chestnut added. “So, once I learned that the style of play was different than college football, I had to adapt. Really, just learn.
As for his goals for 2024, Chestnut is just hoping to make the team and carve out a role for himself.
“I've been through (injuries) before, and I'm putting my trust in God and my family to get through it,” he said. “(My plan) is to keep working and try to find my place on this team. Everything I have to do to be here, just try to play hard and train the best I can. I want to come back stronger than ever, and better than I was before.”
As it stands now, the Giants only have one running back in 2024 in Tyjae Spears, so there will be a great opportunity for Chestnut to make the cut for a third straight year.
