Jordan Jefferson 2024 NFL Draft Profile
LSU’s Jordan Jefferson is next up on the list to receive their 2024 NFL Draft profile. Jefferson made some waves during the Senior Bowl this year, in part for having a really solid showing, but that was partly masked by ripping the helmet off of UConn’s Christian Haynes (profile here). We’ve seen the temper flare, but does the good outweigh the hot-headedness? Let’s talk about it.
Jefferson played for West Virginia for four years before transferring to play for Brian Kelly down in Baton Route. Jefferson was disruptive, at times, for the Tigers this past season, ending the year with 36 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Worth noting that Jefferson has three years of starting experience under his belt, so he has seen his fair share of football, especially playing last season in the SEC.
What jumps off the tape straight away with Jordan Jefferson is how quickly he can get off the line. The footwork is where you want it to be, and the hands land firm, in around the same spot every rep, and he uses this to pull and get around his linemen. I think this speaks to his upside in passing downs, as he can grow his pass rush moves based on speed which would translate well to the NFL. Really moves well for 310 lbs.
If he is asked to fill a gap on running plays, that is where the struggles really start to show on tape. I am not sure whether it is knowledge of really the best technique, the drive to make a difference, or a mix of both. The motor doesn’t always run hot with Jefferson, which for a Defensive Tackle is something you definitely want. When engaged in a double team, he can easily be pushed off balance.
I think that the helmet-ripping incident in Mobile might just be a rarity. I like the fire he showed that week, we just can’t have guys costing us 15 yards on bone-headed things like that. I landed on a fourth-round grade for Jordan Jefferson, in the end. I think he has some real natural upside for the position to grow into a nice option on passing downs. The Defensive Tackle class this year is sneaky good, so he could potentially be overshadowed.
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