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...