The Denver Broncos traded back into the third round to select defensive end Sai’vion Jones with the last pick of Day 2.
The Denver Broncos surprised us all by trading back into the third round with the Philadelphia Eagles and with that 101st pick they selected LSU defensive end Sai’vion Jones. The move left some of us scrambling after being on the verge of calling it a night on the X watch. Good thing we stuck around!
With Jones, it sure looks like he’s got the prototypical size and build of a defensive end starter. May not be as a rookie, but eventually it sure looks like Jones could be a strong starter for the Broncos along that defensive line.
A potential day 2 pick to watch for, Sai’vion Jones (LSU)
6-5 283 lbs with 34 inch arms.
1.59 10 yard split is top top tier in this class and at that size is absurd.
These types guys don’t grow on trees anymore. Needs way more love. pic.twitter.com/RvX5FWslRO— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) April 19, 2025
Let’s see what the rest of our Mile High Report staff had to say about this pick by the Broncos.
Adam Malnati: An edge rusher to end the night on day two of the draft? Yes please. The defense keeps getting better. Scary for the rest of the NFL.
Sadaraine: This is more of a developmental pick for the Broncos. Sai’vion Jones will see the field in 2025, but will have lots of leeway to learn the ropes behind an already solid defensive front. Jones is a player that screams potential and has a nose for creating pressure. Vance Joeseph is going to create a monster out of this pick.
Chris Hart: The Broncos needed a versatile defender in their trenches with Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach all pending free agents at the end of the coming season. Jones started the past two years for LSU and is a heavy-handed defender with strength and force at the point of attack. He added weight during the pre-draft process and his home will be down in the line in the NFL. He’s a hard-nosed defender capable of playing multiple spots across Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s front. To me, this pick seems to signify an eventual replacement for Franklin-Myers. I really like this pick.
Sai’vion Jones is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.19 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 163 out of 2012 DE from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/sUIWa5IHKB pic.twitter.com/uwXYWEldYn
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 31, 2025
Ross Allen: Apparently we know the future of the JFM contact talks. Trading back twice gave them some capital to make this trade up possible, which is more of a reason to like the earlier moves.
Jones is a big guy that can sure up the edge of this defensive line. The Broncos have been lacking that contain-type player and now they have one. I like what Denver has been doing with this defense in free agency and the draft. Time to help Nix with great field position.
Ian St. Clair: I’m all for loading up on talent and upside in key positions like defensive line/edge. The man is massive, he played in the SEC, and will be a sponge to soak up what Joseph, coaches and, teammates tell him. If he grows into a replacement for JFM, so be it. But to add a depth piece on defense after adding high character football players with their first three picks is a great addition.
Scotty Payne: Overall, I like it! Upside pick, has good size, length, and athleticism and give the Broncos insurance for next season when Allen, JFM, and Roach are all free agents.