As the NFL Draft approaches, one name that has been steadily gaining attention from NFL scouts, coaches, and analysts is Emery Jones, the former LSU offensive tackle. A key figure in LSU’s offensive line over the past several seasons, Jones has the physical tools, skill set, and football IQ that could make him a first-round prospect. Recently, Jones met with the New Orleans Saints, adding more intrigue to his already compelling journey to the NFL. With the draft quickly approaching, many are eager to see where he will land and how he will contribute to the next phase of his career.
In this article, we will explore Emery Jones’ journey from LSU to the NFL, his strengths and areas for improvement as a player, his meeting with the New Orleans Saints, and what his potential role could be on an NFL team. We’ll also take a look at how Jones fits within the broader landscape of offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Emery Jones: A Brief Overview of His Career at LSU
Emery Jones was a highly touted recruit out of high school, and he lived up to the hype during his time at LSU. He was an integral part of the Tigers’ offensive line, providing stability and leadership in one of the toughest conferences in college football. Throughout his college career, Jones was known for his combination of size, athleticism, and technique, making him one of the most effective tackles in the SEC.
Jones’ college career began in 2021 when he saw action in his freshman season. Despite being relatively new to the college game, he quickly earned a starting spot on the LSU offensive line. His combination of size (standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 325 pounds) and quick footwork made him a standout in both the running and passing game.
Jones played three full seasons at LSU, continuing to develop his skills and make a significant impact. As a sophomore, Jones helped anchor an offensive line that protected the quarterback and cleared paths for the running game. His ability to execute in both pass protection and run blocking helped LSU’s offense become more dynamic, and he was frequently praised for his consistency and leadership. By his junior year in 2024, Jones had emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC, earning All-SEC honors and drawing the attention of NFL scouts.
One of Jones’ most impressive traits is his physical presence. At 6’4″ and 325 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for an NFL tackle, with the size to handle powerful defensive linemen and the athleticism to match up with speed rushers. Throughout his college career, Jones showcased a balance of strength, technique, and agility, making him a versatile offensive lineman capable of excelling in both run blocking and pass protection.
However, Jones isn’t without his weaknesses. While he’s been lauded for his strength and size, his footwork and hand placement can be inconsistent at times, which could be a concern at the next level. NFL defensive linemen are faster and more skilled than anything Jones faced in college, so refining his technique will be key to his development as a professional player. Still, his upside is clear, and scouts are optimistic about his potential to make an immediate impact.
Meeting with the New Orleans Saints: What Does It Mean?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, many players are meeting with teams to discuss their potential fit and to build relationships with coaching staff and management. Emery Jones recently had a meeting with the New Orleans Saints, a team with an established history of building strong offensive lines to protect their quarterbacks and establish a powerful running game. The meeting with the Saints adds to the intrigue surrounding Jones’ draft prospects, as New Orleans is known for its strategic decisions in selecting players who fit the team’s long-term vision.
For Jones, the meeting with the Saints serves as a major opportunity to showcase his skills and football IQ. The Saints have a strong tradition of developing talent on both sides of the ball, and the team’s front office will likely view Jones as a potential piece to help shore up their offensive line in the coming years.
New Orleans is in a unique position heading into the 2025 draft. With an aging roster and a quarterback situation that is still in flux, the Saints will need to focus on building for the future. A player like Jones, who has the potential to step in and make an immediate impact, could be exactly what the team needs to solidify its offensive line and improve its blocking schemes. Whether as a day-one starter or a developmental project, Jones could be an important addition to the Saints’ plans.
The meeting also signals that the Saints are considering offensive line help early in the draft, and they could see Jones as a long-term solution at tackle. Given the Saints’ historical success with building offensive lines—such as the dominance of players like Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk—Jones could be a natural fit for New Orleans. The Saints’ coaching staff likely sees the value in Jones’ physical attributes and his potential to develop into a top-tier tackle in the NFL.
What Does Emery Jones Bring to the Table?
When it comes to Emery Jones’ skill set, it’s clear that he possesses many of the physical attributes that NFL teams look for in an offensive tackle. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of his game:
1. Size and Strength
One of Jones’ standout features is his size. At 6’4″ and around 325 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His height gives him a solid base to handle taller and more powerful defensive linemen, while his weight and strength allow him to push defenders off the ball in the run game. He’s a force in the trenches and can take on bull rushes with ease.
2. Athleticism and Footwork
Jones’ athleticism is one of his greatest assets. He’s able to move quickly for a player of his size, which makes him capable of handling edge rushers with speed. While his footwork is still a work in progress, he’s shown the ability to stay balanced and maintain his ground in pass protection. With coaching at the NFL level, he can refine his technique to become a more polished pass blocker.
3. Versatility
Jones has experience playing both left and right tackle, making him a versatile piece on the offensive line. His ability to switch between sides gives his future NFL team more flexibility in case of injury or positional changes. His versatility also makes him a valuable asset in different offensive schemes, as he can fit into both zone and power running offenses.
4. Run Blocking
One area where Jones excels is in the run game. He has a natural ability to drive defenders off the ball, opening up lanes for running backs. His size and strength allow him to dominate defenders in short-yardage situations, and he has the power to help establish a physical presence up front. Jones’ ability to push defenders back could make him a key asset in a run-heavy offense.
5. Work Ethic and Leadership
During his time at LSU, Jones was known for his work ethic and leadership in the locker room. He was often described as the anchor of the offensive line, helping guide his teammates through tough games and providing a steadying influence in high-pressure situations. His leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate to take on a leadership role at the next level.
Areas for Improvement
While Jones has many strengths, there are areas of his game that still need refinement. One key area for improvement is his hand placement. At times, he struggles with engaging defenders using proper hand technique, which can leave him vulnerable to pass rushers. Additionally, his footwork and lateral movement can be inconsistent. Speed rushers could potentially give him problems, and he’ll need to develop quicker reactions to handle the elite pass rushers in the NFL.
His ability to adapt to more complex defensive schemes and adjust to faster, more skilled athletes will be crucial to his success at the next level. If Jones can fine-tune these aspects of his game, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line.
Where Does Emery Jones Fit in the 2025 NFL Draft?
With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, Emery Jones is widely considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects. The draft is expected to be filled with talent across many positions, but the offensive line class is particularly deep. Jones has a strong chance of being selected in the first two rounds, with several teams showing interest in adding him to their offensive line units.
His meeting with the New Orleans Saints adds another potential suitor to the mix. Teams with aging offensive lines or those looking to build for the future may target Jones as a developmental prospect who can make an immediate impact. Depending on the team’s needs, he could go as high as the late first round or fall into the second round, where he will still be a valuable asset for whichever team selects him.
A Bright Future Ahead for Emery Jones
Emery Jones has all the tools to succeed in the NFL. His size, strength, and athleticism make him a prototypical tackle prospect, and with the right coaching and development, he could become one of the top offensive linemen in the league. His meeting with the New Orleans Saints signals that he’s on the radar of teams looking to build a strong foundation along the offensive line, and he could be an important part of any franchise’s future.
While there are areas of his game that need refinement, Jones’ potential is undeniable. With his leadership, work ethic, and raw talent, he has all the makings of a future star in the NFL. As the draft approaches, expect Jones’ stock to continue rising, and be on the lookout for him to make an impact on whichever team selects him in the 2025 NFL Draft.