Emery

Jones Jr.

According to Harbaugh, the rookie third-rounder is dealing with a labrum injury that has the team eyeing training camp as a potential return. A camp return means Jones would likely miss all of OTAs and June’s mandatory minicamp, which will undoubtedly put him behind on reps come training camp. The former LSU Tiger was expected to begin the season behind Roger Rosengarten, who started 14 of the 17 games he appeared in last season while earning a PFF grade of 66.9. Jones’ health will be something to monitor closer to camp. While he projects as a backup to start his career, he’ll be viewed as a valuable depth piece who could fill in at either tackle spot if needed.

Jones Jr. (6’5/315) is a true homegrown product who hails from Baton Rouge, LA and was seemingly born to play for the Tigers. Despite being recruited as a guard, he started 12 games in 2022 receiving Freshman All-American recognition before going on to have two more Second Team All-SEC caliber campaigns as LSU’s locked-in starting RT. He had first round buzz entering the 2024 season, but after Jones Jr. allowed 28 pressures, a 2.3% pressure rate and a 61st percentile PFF overall grade, he has since come down from those initial lofty projections. He is blessed with expanded 34.25” arms and frying pan sized 10.75” hands which allow him to stab and neutralize opponents. Jones Jr’s problem stem from his feet being a little slow to chase speedy edge rushers around the loop. If he kicks inside at the NFL level, Jones Jr. could certainly carve a niche out for himself.

Jones (6'4"/330) was a hotly contested OL prospect. He chose the Tigers over Alabama, Texas A&M and Florida. He’s the eighth ranked IOL recruit, and the 12th ranked player from Louisiana. He helped his high school win two D1 State Championships.

Jones (6'4/295) was all set to commit in mid--March, but due to the NCAA’s decision to (again) push the ongoing pandemic-forced dead period back (this time to the end of May), the Baton Rouge native is holding off in the time being in the hopes that he’ll be able to take some official visits before making a final call. LSU, in particular, is a program to watch in this recruitment. Jones is an in-state kid and the Tigers have made him a priority in this cycle. Rivals ranks Jones as the No. 147 overall prospect in the 2022 class.