The Ravens added more beef and a versatile option to their offensive line, selecting offensive tackle Emery Jones Jr. in the third round out of LSU.
After losing Patrick Mekari (Jacksonville) in free agency, the Ravens believe Jones could help fill his void at both backup tackle spots and compete for a starting gig at left guard.
"We see him as a possible swing guy. That's why I thought the pick was so good that Eric [DeCosta] made," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
"He's got the chance to be a swing backup tackle for us right away but he also has the chance to go in there at guard and play. We're going to put him in there at guard, too, and see how he does. Once he starts practicing, we'll get a feel for where he can help us. We think he can play guard and tackle."
Jones has size, athleticism, and loads of starting experience for one of the biggest programs in the country.
Standing in at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Jones has an impressive blend of size and athleticism. He's a gifted quick mover with smooth footwork to move laterally both in run and pass blocking.
A former top-100 recruit, Jones took over LSU's starting right tackle job two games into his freshman year and never gave it up, starting 36 games in three years.
While Jones didn't get the same acclaim of the tackle playing opposite him, No. 4-overall pick Will Campbell, Jones did earn second-team All-SEC honors the past two seasons.
The Ravens already have their starting right tackle in Roger Rosengarten, who is coming off a spectacular rookie season, and re-signed Ronnie Stanley. But Baltimore could use more depth behind both as a valuable swing offensive tackle. With Mekari gone, Jones could compete with Andrew Vorhees for the starting left guard spot.
General Manager Eric DeCosta had his eyes on Jones throughout the third round and admitted at the end of the night that he was nervous he might not make it to pick No. 91.
In addition to the high potential he shows on tape, DeCosta was particularly impressed with Jones at the Senior Bowl.
"I was just really impressed with his competitiveness in practices," DeCosta said. "A lot of times some players go down there and sort of treat it as a fun week. With Emery, the one-on-ones, this guy was fighting and battling. In all the competitive periods, he really showed a lot of effort and tenacity. Watching him, he was just a Ravens-type of player."
