While LSU left tackle Will Campbell is getting most of the attention, NFL evaluators are also keeping a close eye on Tigers right tackle Emery Jones Jr. A three-year starter for LSU, Jones has the skill set to develop into a starter at the next level.
Emery Jones Jr. Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 315 pounds
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: LSU
- Class: Junior
Jones’ Scouting Report
A Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, Jones played high school football at Catholic High School. A dual-sport athlete, he excelled in both basketball and football but found greater success on the gridiron.
A highly coveted four-star recruit, Jones received offers from top programs across the country before committing to LSU. He made an immediate impact, starting almost instantly at right tackle.
Over his college career, Jones started 36 of 38 possible games and earned numerous accolades, including Freshman All-American (2022) and second-team All-SEC (2023, 2024). After three seasons, Jones opted to declare for the NFL Draft rather than return for his senior year.
Strengths
- Dominant run blocker who shows excellent power at the point of attack.
- Ideal size and length to play tackle at the NFL level.
- Good lateral quickness for reach blocks in the run game.
- Plays with a physical edge, imposing his will on defenders.
- Strong anchor in pass protection, capable of absorbing bull rushes.
Weaknesses
- Uncoordinated footwork, making him vulnerable to speed rushers and inside counters.
- Struggles with balance, often falling off blocks after initial engagement.
- Ineffective at the second level, lacking the body control to sustain blocks in space.
- Slow to diagnose defensive line stunts and twists, leading to breakdowns in pass protection.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
In a league desperate for offensive line help, Jones is an intriguing prospect. A three-year starter in LSU’s pass-heavy offense, he brings elite size, strength, and power but is an average athlete overall.
As a run blocker, Jones is a true mauler who thrives on physicality. He fires off the ball with aggression, generating movement at the line of scrimmage. His strong hands allow him to latch onto defenders and control engagements, particularly in man-blocking schemes.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
However, Jones’ balance and flexibility are concerns. He often plays too far over his toes, causing him to fall off blocks. He also struggles in space, making second-level blocking a challenge.
In pass protection, Jones’ size and length are his best assets. His powerful punch can disrupt rushers early in the rep, and his ability to anchor makes him tough to beat with power. However, his footwork remains a significant issue, limiting his ability to slide and mirror defenders. Quick edge rushers can easily get around him, and his inability to recognize stunts and twists is concerning for a three-year starter.
Final Projection
Jones has plenty of physical talent, but at this stage, he’s a developmental prospect. His pass protection flaws — particularly his footwork and reaction time — make him a risky projection as an NFL tackle.
Given his powerful frame and ability to anchor, Jones may be best suited to move inside to guard, where his weaknesses in space can be minimized.
Expect Jones to come off the board early on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, with teams intrigued by his upside but aware of the work needed to refine his game.