Potential Lions draft pick scouting report: LSU DE Sai’vion Jones

Film observations for LSU DE Sai’vion Jones — a potential Detroit Lions target in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sai’vion (say-vee-ahn) Jones is a long-levered, heavy-handed defensive end prospect who consistently opens up a can of whoop-ass. His play is the exact style that could appeal to Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes as a fit for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense in the late Day 2 or early Day 3 range. Below are my observations of Jones’ game, broken down into positive traits, areas for development, and additional context from his tape.

LSU DE Sai’vion Jones

Measurables:

• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 280 pounds
• Arm length: 33 1/2”
• RAS: 9.19

Games watched

• 2024 South Carolina
• 2024 Texas A&M
• 2024 Alabama
• 2024 Florida

Positive traits

• Two of his most defining traits are his ability to utilize his length and the nasty spirit he brings to the gridiron. He’s an urgent brawler.
• Fires forceful, hydraulic-like hands off the snap to immediately engage blockers.
• Can torque offensive linemen in the run game, lock out with length, and jam them into the gap—clogging lanes or setting the edge with authority.
• Outside stretch runs to his side struggle to develop.
• Displays strong lateral agility working down the line and disengaging to square up on ball carriers. He’s a backside monster with great flow.
• Treats single blocks from tight ends like speed bumps—reminiscent of Josh Paschal during his college days.
• Anchors well in run defense, showing sturdy lower half and the ability to reestablish his base mid-rep.
• Frequently holds up—and even splits—double teams from both the B-gap and C-gap. Set the tone early against Alabama by doing just that on the game’s first snap. Also flashed key short-yardage/goal-line stops vs. Texas A&M and Alabama.
• Brings relentless effort that consistently lasts through the whistle.
• Packs a punch on pullers.
• Shows adequate get-off for a larger edge, aided by long strides.
• Has a well-rounded initial pass rush toolbox: arm swipes, assertive chop-rips, a physical swim move, a long-arm stab, and a strong bull rush.
• Flashed a winning spin move against Texas A&M LT Trey Zuhn III, though it’s not a go-to.
• Can reduce inside on passing downs, attacking the B-gap against guards for a more direct path to the QB—something the Lions often covet in their edge players.
• Smart and aware—will flash his hands to disrupt passing lanes when unable to reach the quarterback.
• Turned in an outstanding three-play sequence against South Carolina with back-to-back run stops and a third-down cleanup chased down on a scrambling quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
• Had a number of quality reps—both as an edge-setter in the run game and applying pressure as a rusher—against Florida LT Austin Barber, a potential high 2026 draft pick.

Deficient traits

• His “bull in an antique shop” demeanor has its drawbacks. The missed tackle rate is concerning, including a trifecta of missed tackles against South Carolina — one in the hole on a running back, one on a would-be sack of the quarterback, and another on a swing pass behind the line of scrimmage.
• Struggled with decision-making against read-option plays, often crashing down on the fake and allowing the quarterback to keep it and expose LSU ’s edges. Backup Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed ran in three second-half touchdowns by reading Jones’ commitment to the potential hand-off and exploiting it. Part of it could have been the direction from LSU coaches with the backup quarterback taking over mid-game (and leading a triumphant comeback).
• His upfield burst can sometimes lead to undisciplined lane integrity, leaving run gaps vulnerable.
• While his acceleration is solid for a player his size, he’s a bit stiff and lacks the bend needed to consistently threaten the edge as a speed rusher.
• Can get caught in his tracks trying to win outside with inconsistent leverage.
• There’s room to stay more active with his hands after initial contact — especially when working back inside on counter moves.
• Shows a decent ability to close the pocket, but doesn’t always finish. Too many “singles and doubles” in the pass rush department and not enough home runs. Whether that skill set consistently translates to the NFL level is a fair question — and that’s okay, he doesn’t need to be a pass rush ace.
• Limited in coverage. Should only be asked to drop back on rare occasions at the next level.

Other observations

• Lined up all across the front—from 3-technique to 9-technique—and from a two-point stance to a four-point stance, offering some alignment versatility.
• LSU didn’t dial up many defensive line games with him. On the few occasions they did, it was bully ball. Left me curious to see how he’d function as a penetrator.
• Would’ve liked even more opportunities to see him rush from inside as a true 3-technique, especially on passing downs where his power and length created mismatches against guards.