Auburn center Avery Jones is an experienced interior offensive line prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jones has started three consecutive seasons at center between stints at East Carolina in Auburn. In 2023, Jones transferred to the Tigers program to prove he could play at a high level in the SEC.
Jones recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to enter the transfer portal, playing multiple positions, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You transferred from East Carolina to Auburn for your senior 2023 season. Was proving you could play at a higher level the biggest reason behind the decision?
Avery Jones: Yeah, that was the main reason for the decision. I had a great time with my coaches and teammates at East Carolina. I just thought that playing against better competition at Auburn would help me in the long run.
The NFL is one step above the SEC conference. That’s what I kept hearing from my offensive line coach at Auburn. I thought I made the right decision to come to Auburn. It definitely made me a better player.
JM: It certainly did. You've been a starting center for three consecutive seasons, including this past season at Auburn. Is that where NFL teams see you playing at the next level?
Avery Jones: I’ve been hearing both center and guard. I haven’t played guard since my first year at East Carolina, but I thought I played really well that season. I think my size allows me to play guard at a high level. I’ve always believed I could play guard in addition to center.
I actually think guard is easier to play than center. I just love playing center because of the mental toll it takes on you. I love the football I.Q. needed to play center. You need to be a leader on the offensive line.
I can play guard as well. Looking at my height and weight, it’s a position I’m physically capable of playing. I have the ability to play all three interior offensive line positions at the next level.
JM: I love that. Do you see yourself fitting into a zone-based system, or in more of a gap/power scheme?
Avery Jones: I think I’m really good at running that wide zone system. I was really good at it at East Carolina. I also like executing those gap concepts as well. Executing double teams, climbing to the second level, things of that nature, those are some of my favorite things to do.
Wide zone or gap scheme, I think I fit into both of those offenses.
JM: As a follow-up, what was your favorite play to run in the Auburn playbook and why?
Avery Jones: I would probably call back to those outside zone looks. We called it our “6-7” play. We had tags on the end of those play calls to switch them up. It was small little switches in our scheme that allowed us to play better. Those concepts allow my athletic ability to thrive in space. I can run off the ball and climb to that second level. I’m good at those things.
Going back to the gap scheme calls we had in our playbook, we called them the “3-2.” I was also really good at running duo because I’m a big-bodied lineman that gets off the ball quickly. I’m explosive. I can move that first line of defense. I’m also quick enough to move my feet and get to that second level.
That wide zone or gap scheme, those were some of my favorite plays in the playbook.
JM: I love how versatile you are. Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process, whether in person or virtually?
Avery Jones: I’ve spoken with a few teams. I’ve been in touch with the Chargers, Rams, Bengals, Cowboys, and a few others. I’ve had some interest from a solid handful of teams.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Avery Jones?
Avery Jones: I’d characterize myself as a leader. I have a great work ethic. I’m very agile. I can jump and run. I’m also a very strong blocker. I’m quicker than I am fast. I have no problem reaching defenders. I’m explosive.
I’m going to put my best foot forward. I love the game of football. I play with physicality because I love hitting defenders. I’m going to bring a lot of energy and leadership to the table. I’m an experienced player that’s played a lot of football at East Carolina and Auburn. I’m a quick learner. I learn new concepts after being told something just once.
