The Baltimore Ravens didn’t hide their priorities entering the 2025 NFL Draft. After locking down future stars for their defense with Malaki Starks and Mike Green, the next order of business was clear: reinforce the offensive line to keep Lamar Jackson upright and dominant and electric.
With the 91st overall pick, Baltimore stayed true to its brand and found the right kind of guy. Emery Jones Jr., a three-year starter from LSU with 36 games under his belt, has the size, pedigree, and mindset the Ravens love. But it wasn’t just his film that won over Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh—it was his reaction when the moment came.
Before the pick was officially made, DeCosta called Jones and asked how he would feel about blocking for the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. Jones had the best response possible:
“That’d be an honor. I’ll put it all on the line for him,” Jones said.
"How would you feel blocking for @Lj_era8?"
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 26, 2025
"That'd be an honor. I'll put it all on the line for him." @Emeryjones50_ pic.twitter.com/cgLEXkqerS
Emery Jones is already a Lamar Jackson (and fan) favorite
Jones’ first words as a Raven say everything fans (and Lamar) could hope to hear. After watching Jackson deliver a record-breaking 2024 season—setting career highs in passing yards (4,172), passing touchdowns (41), and becoming the first player in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 800 in a season—keeping No. 8 healthy and dangerous is the top priority.
At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with long arms, Jones brings the physicality to match his mindset. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in each of the past two years and was praised by scouts for his patience, toughness, and ability to climb to the second level in the run game. Sports Illustrated called him a potential “long-term starter,” while others like CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso labeled him “yet another smart pick” for the Ravens.
Head Coach John Harbaugh made it clear the team views Jones as a possible swing tackle and an option at guard. With Patrick Mekari gone and the left guard spot unsettled, there’s a path for Jones to earn meaningful snaps early—and to make good on his promise to “put it all on the line” for Jackson.
Baltimore needed a legitimate depth option with starting-caliber traits, and they got one. They needed someone who understands what it means to protect a generational quarterback. Emery Jones Jr. clearly gets it and he hasn’t even put the pads on yet.