NFL Draft Profile: DE Sai’vion Jones, LSU

Cleveland might have room for a DE who can be part of the rotation as a rookie and the potential to be something more.

The Cleveland Browns have taken the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts” approach to the defensive end position opposite Myles Garrett.

The club returns Ogbo Okoronkwo, Cameron Thomas, Alex Wright, Sam Kamara, Isaiah McGuire, and Elerson Smith from last year’s team. The only additions in free agency were Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Julian Okwara, both on short-term deals.

While it may seem as if the Browns are set, there is room to add talent from the 2025 NFL Draft if the right name comes along, and that name could be Sai’vion Jones of LSU.

Name: Sai’vion Jones

Position: Defensive end

Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 280 pounds

College: LSU

2024 stats: 13 games, 40 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Career stats: 51 games, 99 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

Relative Athletic Score: Scored a 9.19 RAS out of a possible 10. Ranks No. 163 out of 2,012 defensive ends from 1987 to 2025.

Average “Big Board” Position as of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database: 119th overall/fourth-round projected

The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value: Day 2 – Adequate starter

What an Expert is Saying

Lance Zierlein at NFL.com:

A 4-3 defensive end who fits the NFL mold with size, toughness and effort. Jones has good bend and a couple of reliable moves to unlock the top of the rush. He rarely works beyond pocket depth and has an instinctive secondary rush to cook in the pocket. His hands are twitchy and violent but he allows blockers into his frame a little too often. Maximum energy is exerted on every rep but he might need to improve pacing to become more consistent against the run. Jones’ translatable traits and rush talent make him an ascending prospect who could see early third-down reps before taking on a starting spot in the future.

What an Expert is Saying (Bonus Round):

Pro Football Focus:

After seeing action in a rotational role as a freshman and sophomore, Jones became a full-time starter in 2023 and has his best year as a senior this past season. His 43 pressures wee tied for eighth among all edge defenders in the SEC.

While Jones was primarily an edge for the Tigers, he’s able to line up anywhere on the defensive line. He pairs his size with a motor that never quits while having solid tools. Jones employs multiple pass-rushing moves, but his hand size is still relatively unrefined.

Jones is a long and strong defensive end whose best traits fit for an odd front defense. He lacks the pass rush nuance to be a consistent backfield player, but can give you splash impact plays every week as a versatile defensive lineman.

Fit with the Browns

A rotational player who can line up anywhere on the defensive line sounds like someone who would interest defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Jones may not be ready to be an every-down player as a rookie, but he could be a nice addition to the current rotation and potentially grow into more than that over the next few years.

Browns Player Drafting Could Impact

Jones would compete for snaps with Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara, Elerson Smith, Cameron Thomas, which is not exactly a daunting lineup.

Priority: Medium.

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