The Baltimore Ravens’ selection of Emery Jones Jr. with the 91st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was a move that stirred both excitement and intrigue within the football world. While the Ravens have historically been known for their defensive prowess, their selection of Jones, a highly-talented offensive lineman, signals their commitment to building a more well-rounded, high-powered offense for the future. This pick is not just a choice based on Jones’ raw talent but is part of a larger, long-term strategy for the Ravens’ roster and identity.
A Look at Emery Jones Jr.’s College Career
Emery Jones Jr., the towering 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive tackle, had an impressive career at the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. As a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Jones showcased his abilities both as a dominant pass protector and a road-grading force in the running game. Known for his agility and speed for a player of his size, Jones earned accolades in each of his seasons, culminating in a consensus All-American selection in his final year.
Jones was one of the cornerstones of Alabama’s offensive line, which consistently ranked among the best in the nation during his tenure. His size, combined with his ability to move quickly for his position, made him a nightmare for opposing defensive ends and linebackers. Whether it was protecting the quarterback or creating space for running backs, Jones’ versatility and skill set stood out.
The Need for Offensive Line Help
For the Ravens, the 2025 NFL Draft presented an opportunity to strengthen their offensive line, a unit that had seen some inconsistency in recent years. Although the Ravens have always boasted a solid defense, their offensive line has sometimes struggled to maintain consistent play, particularly in pass protection. With Lamar Jackson at the helm, the Ravens’ offense has often been explosive, but a key to maximizing Jackson’s potential is ensuring he has ample time to make decisions in the pocket and a stable running game to complement his dynamic abilities.
In the 2024 season, the Ravens’ offensive line allowed 46 sacks, a number that was above average in terms of NFL rankings, but still not ideal for a team with aspirations of playoff success. Jackson, known for his ability to extend plays with his legs, was often forced to do so under duress, highlighting the need for improved blocking, especially in pass protection. Furthermore, with the Ravens’ heavy reliance on the run game, particularly their trademark read-option plays, the interior and tackle positions needed reinforcements to help create more holes for running back J.K. Dobbins and, eventually, more space for Jackson to run when needed.
Jones, with his ability to excel both in pass protection and as a force in the run game, fits the Ravens’ offensive philosophy perfectly. His size, strength, and mobility allow him to both dominate defensive linemen in the run game and guard against speed rushers in pass protection. With Jackson’s ability to extend plays, Jones’ ability to seal the edge and create consistent lanes for the running game will be pivotal in taking the Ravens’ offense to the next level.
The Perfect Fit for the Ravens’ Scheme
The Ravens’ offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Todd Monken has evolved in recent seasons, placing more emphasis on a balanced attack that involves both the pass and the run. In Jones, the Ravens are acquiring a player who is an excellent fit for that vision. His skill set not only aligns with the Ravens’ power-running attack but also complements the potential changes Monken may implement, as he is known for mixing up offensive strategies and introducing new wrinkles to offenses.
Emery Jones Jr. excels in both zone-blocking schemes and power-running systems, which makes him an ideal candidate for the Ravens’ offensive line. In a zone scheme, Jones’ quick feet and ability to move laterally give him an advantage when pulling or when tasked with getting to the second level of defenders. In power situations, his size and strength allow him to move defensive linemen off the ball, which is essential for creating running lanes.
What stands out most about Jones is his intelligence and understanding of blocking assignments. His ability to read defensive fronts and make quick adjustments on the fly makes him an invaluable asset in both the running and passing games. His awareness will be especially beneficial in an offense like Baltimore’s, where the playbook can sometimes feature complex misdirection and multiple moving parts.
Lamar Jackson’s New Best Friend?
When it comes to the Baltimore Ravens’ offense, everything revolves around Lamar Jackson. The selection of Emery Jones Jr. with the 91st overall pick in the draft is not just a pick for the future; it is a statement to Jackson that the Ravens are committed to building around him and providing him with the necessary pieces to succeed.
While Jackson’s mobility allows him to escape pressure, consistent pass protection will help him make quicker, more decisive decisions. Additionally, improved offensive line play will give Jackson more time to survey the field and allow the passing game to flourish. While the Ravens have made moves to bolster their wide receiver corps in recent years, ensuring that Jackson has a solid line to protect him is just as important as improving the talent around him.
Emery Jones’ presence on the field could also change the dynamics of Jackson’s running ability. With Jones creating more open lanes for the running back and for Jackson on designed quarterback runs, the offense will become harder to defend. The Ravens’ read-option system, already difficult to stop, could be elevated with Jones helping to open up even bigger gaps for the running game.
Jones’ selection could also have a ripple effect on the Ravens’ overall offensive philosophy. With the improved offensive line, Baltimore may feel more comfortable incorporating a greater variety of plays, including longer pass attempts or more intricate pocket passing concepts. While Jackson’s strengths lie in the intermediate to short game, an improved offensive line gives the Ravens the flexibility to open up new facets of their attack.
The Long-Term Vision
The pick of Emery Jones Jr. is part of a longer-term vision for the Ravens’ roster. The Ravens have a history of developing strong offensive lines, and Jones fits the mold of a player who could be a cornerstone of that group for the next decade. His size, athleticism, and football IQ suggest he has the tools to develop into one of the league’s top tackles, and the Ravens have always excelled in bringing out the best in their offensive line personnel.
The Ravens have been an organization focused on maintaining a balance between offense and defense. In recent years, they’ve made strides to improve their offensive talent, but their identity still lies in their defense. With Jones on board, however, the Ravens are beginning to take significant steps toward becoming a more complete and well-rounded team. A more potent offense, paired with the already exceptional defense, could make the Ravens one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL for the foreseeable future.
By selecting Jones, the Ravens are acknowledging that the NFL is a league where offenses are becoming more explosive, and the ability to protect the quarterback is more important than ever. Jones’ addition could significantly impact the Ravens’ ability to contend for a Super Bowl, as it strengthens one of the most important aspects of their game.
Potential Challenges
While Jones is undoubtedly a talented prospect, the transition to the NFL can be a tough one for any player, even those with extensive college experience. Offensive linemen, in particular, often face a steep learning curve when they enter the professional ranks. The speed of the game is different, the competition is fiercer, and the level of coaching is more demanding.
Jones will need to adapt to a faster, more complex defensive front in the NFL, and he will be tested by some of the league’s most dominant pass rushers. There may be an adjustment period, but the Ravens’ coaching staff, known for their ability to develop young talent, will likely be patient with Jones as he adjusts to the professional game.
The Ravens’ selection of Emery Jones Jr. at No. 91 is more than just a typical draft pick. It is a sign that the team is focused on improving their offensive line to better protect Lamar Jackson and build a more versatile, balanced attack. With Jones’ size, athleticism, and intelligence, he has the potential to become a key fixture in the Ravens’ offensive line for years to come. If he can make a successful transition to the NFL, he could play a significant role in the team’s future success, helping both the running game and the passing game thrive.
In the broader context, this pick highlights the Ravens’ broader philosophy: building a team that can compete on both sides of the ball. With a revamped offensive line and continued strength on defense, the Ravens are shaping up to be a true Super Bowl contender in the coming years.
