Draft Profile: Justin Jefferson

December 11, 2019 /
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 192lb
  • College: LSU
  • Tape watched: Florida (2018 & 2019), Auburn, Texas, Utah State
  • NFL Comparison: Marvin Jones Jr

Pros

  • Hands
    Jefferson rarely drops passes he gets his hands on. He excels using his hands to pluck balls out of the air. He only body-catches when necessary.
  • Body Position
    Maybe one of his most impressive traits, Jefferson shines at giving himself the best chance to make plays on the football. He is natural at adjusting to balls in the air and rarely loses 50/50 contests. He uses every bit of his 6’3″ frame to go get the football.
  • Combat Catches
    Similar to his body positioning, Jefferson is great catching the ball in traffic. He is fearless across the middle of the defense and secures the ball well on contact.
  • Yards After Contact
    Jefferson doesn’t waste time with the ball, he gets yards immediately after the catch. Partly due to his lack of great lateral agility, he knows how to get up field and tends to slip tackles well.

Cons

  • Route Running
    This isn’t necessarily a “con”, because ultimately I think Jefferson runs routes well, but he tends to waste a lot of time and effort setting his routes up. When he doesn’t waste time and explodes off the line of scrimmage, he is very good in his routes. If Jefferson can polish his footwork and contain his lengthy frame on his cuts he will be very good at the next level.
Jefferson turns over the wrong shoulder and gets spun around. The ball thrown from Burrow is right where it needs to be.
  • Agility
    Due to his stature, Jefferson lacks agility and burst. He has long speed on tape, so it will be interesting to see how he tests at the combine.
  • ~Physicality~
    – There isn’t a lot of tape of Jefferson being pressed, partly due to his high slot usage. When he is pressed, he relies on false steps to get the corner on their heels. He has done well thus far, but it will be interesting how NFL corners press him.
    – His blocking needs work. It appears like the desire is there, which is half the battle, but he is a run and shove blocker right now.

Overview

Justin Jefferson projects to be a productive receiver at the next level. He can really strengthen his draft profile with a strong performance in the College Football Playoffs and at the Combine. His natural ability to catch the football in high leverage situations and YAC opportunities will make NFL offenses jump at the opportunity to pair him with an established number one receiver in the NFL.