Justin Jefferson Draft Grade | Round 5, Pick 9 | FanVerdicts

Bottom 20%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

LB · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #198 · Day 3 Sleeper

Jefferson emerged as a reliable contributor in Alabama's linebacker corps over three seasons, transitioning from a special teams ace to a rotational starter. His journey reflects steady development rather than explosive talent, showcasing the work ethic and football IQ that made him a trusted veteran presence. While lacking elite athleticism, Jefferson compensates with instinctive play recognition and sound fundamentals in both run defense and coverage. His draft stock peaked as a potential late-Day 2 selection before combine measurements revealed limitations in speed and change of direction that relegated him to developmental territory.

Strengths

+Exceptional football intelligence allows him to diagnose plays pre-snap and position himself advantageously, often compensating for athletic limitations through cerebral anticipation.

+Instinctive gap integrity in run defense, consistently filling assigned lanes and avoiding blocks that create running lanes for opposing backs.

+Reliable tackler who wraps up consistently and rarely misses in space, showing proper form and leverage to bring down bigger runners.

+Quality coverage linebacker against tight ends and running backs, displaying adequate hip fluidity and understanding of route concepts.

+Strong leadership presence and vocal communicator who serves as the defensive signal-caller, translating complex schemes to teammates effectively.

+Excellent special teams contributor with multiple years of core unit experience, showing the speed and physicality to impact coverage units.

+Solid hand usage and punch timing when engaging with blockers, creating separation to pursue ball carriers despite lacking elite length.

+Competitive motor and effort level that never wavers, consistently pursuing plays from backside and showing relentless chase-down ability.

+Fundamentally sound in zone coverage responsibilities, maintaining proper depth and spacing while keeping eyes on quarterback.

+Effective blitzer who shows good timing and hand placement when rushing the passer, generating pressure despite lacking elite burst.

+Versatile position flexibility allows deployment in multiple linebacker roles within both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

-Limited top-end speed becomes exposed against faster skill position players in space, particularly on wheel routes and screens to the perimeter.

-Change of direction ability is below NFL standards, struggling to mirror shifty runners and receivers on short breaking routes.

-Lacks the ideal length and size to consistently engage with NFL-caliber offensive linemen in protection schemes.

-Coverage range is restricted by athletic limitations, creating vulnerability in zone responsibilities over larger areas of the field.

-Struggles against misdirection and motion-heavy offenses that require quick processing and reaction to scheme changes.

-Limited pass rush arsenal beyond basic techniques, lacking the bend and acceleration to consistently threaten quarterbacks.

-Occasional over-pursuit issues lead to missed tackles when trying to compensate for lack of closing speed with aggressive angles.

-Inconsistent shedding ability against physical tight ends and fullbacks who can lock onto him in run blocking situations.

NFL Comparison: Nick Bellore

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