2018 NFL Draft Profiles: Malik Jefferson
- Tyler Webb
- Jun 24, 2017
- 2 min read
Malik Jefferson, Linebacker, Texas
6’3, 240 Lbs, Junior, 4.49 40 Yard
Malik Jefferson is one of those elite athletes that can legitimately change a whole defense just with his presence. I see a lot of Khalil Mack when I watch his game, except faster. In high school Malik Jefferson ranked as the number one overall outside linebacker, and the best player in the state of Texas by 247Sports. In three seasons at Poteet high school Jefferson racked up 271 tackles, 49 of those for a loss, and over 30 sacks. Coming into the University of Texas, Jefferson was clocked at a blazing 4.38 40 yard dash time, obviously losing that speed a little bit to bulk up to 240 Lbs. He currently has slowed down to a 4.49, which is still faster than David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell and Jarvis Landry. As a freshman in Austin Malik Jefferson started 11 games, and finished with 61 tackles, 7 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was voted a Freshman All-American by both USA Today and Sporting News. Coming off of last season Jefferson performed with 60 tackles, 9 of them for a loss and 6.5 sacks, and the Big 12’s best returning defensive player.
As soon as you turn on the tape you can see Jefferson elite speed, especially for the position. Multiple times I have watched him come across the field and chase down the ball carrier from breaking off for a touchdown. With that speed though comes a little bit of an over pursuit problem, but he still shows the ability to destroy a play from the get go. Jefferson has a tendency to get lost on the field. During their game against Oklahoma this season, Malik Jefferson would get stuck on his block or not be able to find the ball carrier in time for a play. In other games, such as his Notre Dame game, he completely took over a game and zoomed across the field and by his defenders. As you could expect with his speed, he can cover receivers very well down the field, and very rarely gets beat in his zones. At the next level he could line up very well against the new age tight end, and shadow him throughout the game. He has the potential to be a game stopper, but does need to improve his pass rushing moves off the ball.
Possible Landing Spots: 15th-25th
Indianapolis Colts - The Colts just draft one elite Malik, and they could very well draft enough this year. With the addition to Johnathan Hankins to their defensive line, Jefferson could help tie this defense together for the future.
Los Angeles Chargers - The Chargers moved on from Manti Te'o, and now have an opening on this young defense. Jefferson could slide next to Denzel Perryman and Joey Bosa to grow into one of the best front 7s in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys - Malik Jefferson played high school football just 35 minutes away from the AT&T Stadium, and he could possibly come full circle to the Cowboys. With Jaylon Smith recovering better than ever, the Cowboys could build a special linebacking core with Jefferson.
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