2025 NFL DRAFT: Denver Broncos choose LSU Edge Sai’vion Jones with the 101st overall pick.

In a thrilling moment for both the LSU Tigers and the Denver Broncos, Sai’vion Jones, a standout edge rusher from LSU, was selected by the Broncos with the 101st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This move adds a dynamic player to the Broncos’ defense and fills a critical need at edge rusher. With his combination of size, athleticism, and raw potential, Jones brings a wealth of promise to Denver’s defensive front, and it’s no surprise that the Broncos were eager to add him to their roster.

This pick is part of the Broncos’ broader strategy to improve their defense and develop young talent capable of making a significant impact in the coming years. Let’s take an in-depth look at who Sai’vion Jones is as a player, his journey from high school to LSU, his performance on the college stage, and how he fits into the Denver Broncos’ defense moving forward.

Sai’vion Jones: The Background and Early Years

Sai’vion Jones was born on July 3, 2003, in Vacherie, Louisiana. Growing up in the heart of SEC country, he was surrounded by a culture steeped in football tradition. From a young age, Jones exhibited not only a strong athletic build but also an inherent understanding of the game. As a multi-sport athlete in high school, he showcased his versatility in football, basketball, and track.

At St. James High School in St. James, Louisiana, Jones quickly emerged as one of the top football recruits in the state. As a senior, he accumulated 75 tackles, 10 sacks, and was named the Class 3A MVP. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a highly sought-after player, and his name began to circulate among college recruiters. His impressive combination of strength, speed, and size quickly made him a top-tier prospect, and soon, LSU became the destination of choice for the talented defensive end.

A Standout Career at LSU

Jones joined LSU as part of the 2021 recruiting class, where he was highly regarded for his ability to rush the passer. In his first season with LSU, he was a rotational player, and while his numbers were modest, he showed flashes of the talent that would come to define his career. He appeared in 11 games during his freshman year, registering three tackles and helping the Tigers build depth on their defensive line.

His sophomore year at LSU marked the beginning of his emergence as one of the premier defensive players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Starting three of the 14 games he appeared in, Jones contributed significantly to LSU’s pass rush. With 23 tackles and 4.5 sacks, Jones demonstrated that he had the ability to pressure quarterbacks and set the tone for the Tigers’ defensive line. His size, explosiveness, and physicality allowed him to engage offensive linemen and push through blockers, which were key traits that caught the attention of NFL scouts.

In his junior year, Jones took his game to another level, starting all 13 games and finishing the season with 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks. While his sack total was a bit lower than expected, Jones made up for it with his relentless motor and ability to disrupt plays. He consistently applied pressure in passing situations and was strong against the run, making him a well-rounded defensive player.

Jones’ senior year was arguably his most complete, as he excelled in both pass-rushing situations and against the run. With 40 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, Jones rounded out his career at LSU as one of the most disruptive players on the defensive line. His performance earned him an invitation to the prestigious 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he showcased his skills against other top prospects. It was during this week that Jones really cemented himself as a top draft prospect, impressing NFL scouts with his physicality, athleticism, and ability to rush the passer.

Strengths and Weaknesses: What the Broncos Are Getting

At 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Sai’vion Jones is a physical specimen with the size and athleticism that NFL teams covet in an edge rusher. His combination of length, explosiveness, and physicality make him an intriguing prospect with enormous potential. As a pass rusher, Jones has shown the ability to generate pressure off the edge with a quick first step, and he uses his long arms to keep blockers at bay. He has the strength to shed blocks and get after the quarterback, and his ability to set the edge against the run is also a key aspect of his game.

However, like many young pass rushers, Jones has areas of his game that need refinement. While he is athletic and powerful, he is still developing his pass-rushing moves. Jones can sometimes struggle to bend around the edge and lacks a refined counter-move when his initial rush is stymied. Additionally, while he has the potential to be an elite run defender, he needs to work on his consistency in terms of disengaging from blockers and being more disciplined in his positioning.

Despite these weaknesses, Jones’ potential is undeniable. His raw athleticism and work ethic make him a high-upside prospect that can thrive with the right coaching and development. In the right system, and with time to develop, Jones could emerge as a key pass rusher for the Broncos.

Sai’vion Jones’ Fit with the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have been focused on upgrading their defensive line, particularly their pass rush. In selecting Sai’vion Jones, the Broncos add a talented young player who can develop into a key piece of their defensive front. With Bradley Chubb now with the Miami Dolphins and veteran edge rushers such as Von Miller having exited the team, the Broncos need a player like Jones to build around as they continue to retool their defense for the future.

Jones fits perfectly into the Broncos’ defensive scheme under head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Known for his versatility, Jones can be used as both a defensive end in a 4-3 base defense and an outside linebacker in certain pass-rush situations. His ability to rush the quarterback and set the edge against the run makes him a great fit for the Broncos’ defensive philosophy, which places a premium on attacking the quarterback and controlling the line of scrimmage.

In addition to his on-field abilities, Jones also brings leadership and a high football IQ to the locker room. His work ethic and competitiveness will align well with the Broncos’ culture, as the team looks to build a young, hungry defense capable of competing in the tough AFC West.

What the Broncos Are Hoping for from Sai’vion Jones

As the Broncos’ third-round pick, Sai’vion Jones is expected to contribute immediately, but he will also have time to develop and refine his skills. The Broncos will likely ease him into the lineup, allowing him to learn from the veteran players on the team while contributing in rotational situations. With the right development and coaching, Jones has the potential to become a regular starter for the Broncos and a key player in their defensive unit.

In the immediate future, the Broncos will look to Jones to provide depth on the edge, providing a boost to their pass rush and helping to keep the opposing offense off balance. While he may not be an immediate superstar, his ceiling is high, and his future with the team looks incredibly promising.

The selection of Sai’vion Jones with the 101st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a critical step in the Denver Broncos’ effort to improve their defense and build a foundation for future success. Jones’ combination of size, athleticism, and potential makes him an exciting prospect who could contribute to the Broncos’ defensive line for years to come.

While Jones still has areas to develop, his ability to rush the passer and defend the run give him the tools needed to succeed in the NFL. With the right coaching and a strong work ethic, Jones could become a key piece of the Broncos’ defense and help lead them back to playoff contention in the coming seasons. Broncos fans can look forward to watching Jones develop into a dynamic force on their defense, and with the talent and drive he possesses, he could quickly become one of the team’s most important players.

In the ever-competitive AFC West, where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers have potent offenses, having a pass rusher like Jones could prove to be an invaluable asset in the years ahead. For now, all eyes are on Sai’vion Jones as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos.