O’Brien played two games for the Lions in 2013 - and 17 for his career - after being recruited from SANFL club North Adelaide at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.
The 22-year-old won the Andrew Ireland Medal as best afield for the Lions' reserves in its NEAFL Grand Final win over the Sydney Swans in September but was then delisted.
He was often injury plagued over his four seasons in Brisbane, but is a good athlete with plenty of pace and can play as a midfielder, winger or half-forward.
Adelaide general manager of list development and strategy David Noble told afc.com.au the Crows were keen to do some extra homework on O'Brien before next week's National Draft.
"We’ve seen a fair bit of Jesse this season but this just gives us and the coaches the opportunity to take a closer look," Noble said.
Adelaide has picks 23 and 46 in the draft on November 21 and then up to four selections in the November 27 rookie draft.
