NFL Draft Profile: Broncos defensive end Sai’vion Jones

The Broncos selected LSU defensive end Sai’vion Jones in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos trade back into the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select LSU defensive linemen Sai’vion Jones. He is a 6’6”, 283-pound defensive lineman who gives the Broncos a developmental player with some high upside. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, had Jones ranked as the 19th-best edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft and a 3rd-4th round grade on him.

Jones played a total of four seasons at LSU and was a disruptive player for their defense. During his four-year career, he played in 51 games, which included 29 starts, and totaled 99 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 5 pass deflections. This past year, Jones started all 13 games and totaled 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass deflections.

Player Profile

Sai’vion Jones | Defensive Line | Broncos

• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 283 pounds
• Hands: 10 inches
• Arm Length: 34 inches
• Wingspan: 82 3/8 inches
• Age: 21 years old
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.75 seconds
• 10-Yard Split: 1.59 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 33 inches
• Broad Jump: 9’11”
• Bench Press: 19 reps

Film Room

Scouting Report

Strengths

• A good blend of size, length, strength, and athleticism
• Has long arms and the size you look for in a defensive lineman
• Uses his long arms to produce a powerful bull rush
• Powerful and heavy hands
• Long strider that closes in on the QB quickly
• Had 43 QB pressures last season
• High-motor player who never quits on a play
• Good run defender
• Versatility to play inside or outside (will play defensive end for the Broncos)
• High-upside developmental talent
• Was coached by Broncos DL coach Jamar Cain for one year at LSU

Weaknesses

• Is one of those IDL/EDGE “Tweeners”
• Due to his height, his pad level can be a tad high on occasion
• Has some lower-body stiffness
• Will need overall development as a player

Broncos DE Sai’vion Jones RAS

What other analysts are saying about Broncos DE Sai’vion Jones

The Athletic’s draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on DE Sai’vion Jones

A two-year starter at LSU, Jones was the field-side defensive end in defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s 4-2-5 base scheme, taking snaps both standing up and with his hand on the ground. After showing gradual improvement as an underclassman, he made a significant jump as a senior with 43 pressures in 2024 (combined for 38 pressures his first three seasons).

One of the youngest seniors in the draft class, Jones doesn’t have top-tier cornering speed and makes himself too big of a target at the top of his rush when attempting to win high-side. But he is at his best when relying on his long levers to work through contact and affect the quarterback or working down the line as a run defender (NFL scouts routinely bring up his toughness as a differentiating factor). Overall, Jones needs continued schooling with his hands and pad level, but he plays long, strong and persistent as a downhill force player against both pass and run. He hasn’t yet reached his football ceiling and has the tools to become a solid depth piece on an NFL defensive line.

How does Sai’vion Jones fit on the Broncos?

Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach are entering the final year of their deal, so the Broncos need to have some depth in place to potentially take over for them next season. You have to assume that the Broncos will find a way to keep Allen, but Franklin-Myers and Roach could hit the open market next season. So, adding Jones to the mix gives them some depth and insurance for next season.

That’s in the long term. In the short term, Jones gives the Broncos some much-needed depth along their defensive line and someone who can give Zach Allen a few more snaps off during a game. Last season, Allen rarely left the field, and that simply is not sustainable. Jones can rotate in and help keep Allen fresh for the Broncos’ postseason run once again next season.

Overall, I am a big fan of this pick. I am sucker for players with great size, length, and athleticism with untapped potential. Jamar Cain is a damn good defensive line coach and I cannot wait to see what he can do with him moving forward. I think the Broncos got themselves a good one here.