Malik Jefferson

[chicago JK]

What are the thoughts on Jefferson? I haven't seen him mentioned much. He never lived up to the large hype when he entered college, but he was productive, a three year starter and appears to have all the measurables of a starting linebacker.

I have heard that he tends to guess on plays, but he also makes some very highlight type plays. Isn't he a guy who gets in to the right team who can be really coached up? At his best, isn't he a three down linebacker?

Just curious...is he a second round guy?

 

[Alexander]

Second/third is where he is generally ranked. Cowboys did have an informal visit with him.

 

[kskboys]

What are the thoughts on Jefferson? I haven't seen him mentioned much. He never lived up to the large hype when he entered college, but he was productive, a three year starter and appears to have all the measurables of a starting linebacker.

I have heard that he tends to guess on plays, but he also makes some very highlight type plays. Isn't he a guy who gets in to the right team who can be really coached up? At his best, isn't he a three down linebacker?

Just curious...is he a second round guy?

His marginal instincts really bother me. Do love his explosive athleticism, though.

Jerry has generally stayed away from UT players in the draft, though he has taken 1 or 2. McGarrity is the only one I can remember. Even when the UT player was an obvious choice(Redding), it appears he shies away from them. Due to his own alma mater being a serious enemy of them?

 

[Rockport]

I watched a lot of UT games and he was mostly a non factor. Made A play 3 or 4 times a year.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I think Jefferson is one of those players that's been so overhyped heading into this season that he's actually underrated at this point. I like him as a 2nd/3rd round player.

 

[Whyjerry]

He and Jaylon Smith could combine for the best hair in the league.

 

[cowboyec]

LOVE his size.
looks the part.
but seems to not play up to his potential ALOT.
some concerns about injury history as well.
2nd or 3rd Rd probably.
fall back option if we dont go LB at 19.

 

[kskboys]

Think Bruce Carter.

 

[TheCoolFan]

Texas always has a lot of prospects with untapped potential...a lot of them underachieved in college but they have a lot of physical tools and just need some refining once they get to the NFL. Jordan Hicks didn't stand out much in college either but he has turned out to be a solid starter LB for a 3rd rounder. Jefferson could be the same

 

[Hardline]

I been following Jeffersons career since he was recruited as a 5 star player. I expected him to be a superstar at Texas so my expectations were probably too high.
I seen Jordan Hicks entire career and thought he way underachied at Texas also and he turned into a stud in Philadelphia.

 

[cnuball21]

His marginal instincts really bother me. Do love his explosive athleticism, though.

Jerry has generally stayed away from UT players in the draft, though he has taken 1 or 2. McGarrity is the only one I can remember. Even when the UT player was an obvious choice(Redding), it appears he shies away from them. Due to his own alma mater being a serious enemy of them?

Yup - all they talk about is lack of instincts on the draft show.

I'd take a gamble later in the draft but not before the 3rd.

 

[reddyuta]

Texas always has a lot of prospects with untapped potential...a lot of them underachieved in college but they have a lot of physical tools and just need some refining once they get to the NFL. Jordan Hicks didn't stand out much in college either but he has turned out to be a solid starter LB for a 3rd rounder. Jefferson could be the same

I agree with this completely ,maybe he was burnt out being the only good Defensive player from the moment he stepped on the field.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Jefferson, IMO, could be a steal of the draft. If you liked Smith, at ND, then I don't know why you wouldn't like Jefferson.

I think he was misused, while at Texas. His athletic ability can not be taught. If he is there in the third round, and we don't take him, then there is something wrong with us IMO. At the very least, he's a special teams stand out early on. We need talent at LB and this kid has that.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I been following Jeffersons career since he was recruited as a 5 star player. I expected him to be a superstar at Texas so my expectations were probably too high.
I seen Jordan Hicks entire career and thought he way underachied at Texas also and he turned into a stud in Philadelphia.

That's a good call on that comp.

 

[DiResta]

i would love it in the 3rd because the depth is so bad
he has all the tools to play the question being can coaching make him a starter
i would love to have 2 or 3 above average linebackers for a stretch that actually stayed on the field at the same time

like Lee and Rolando, never got much chance to see the potential

 

[UncleOscar]

I'm not a UT fan, but this guy got terrible coaching under Charlie Strong who had him playing MLB instead of outside. Plus he arrived while the program was an utter dumpster fire from the mess left by Mack Brown. I always wondered what his career would have been like had he gone to a stable program and played under a good coach in a scheme that fit his skill set. With the right NFL coach and scheme, he might turn out to be a solid pro.

 

[hendog86]

All I know is he can lay some serious thumps on a ball carrier. Hopefully his instincts will improve with coaching.

 

[Jumbo075]

All I know is he can lay some serious thumps on a ball carrier. Hopefully his instincts will improve with coaching.

If the Cowboys are serious about moving Smith to SAM linebacker, and having him blitz off the edge behind Lawrence, then Jefferson, who is good at run defense, wouldn't be a bad selection as a 2-down MIKE linebacker. But you don't want to pay too high of a price for a 2-down player. 3rd round is the soonest I'd be happy with this selection.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If the Cowboys are serious about moving Smith to SAM linebacker, and having him blitz off the edge behind Lawrence, then Jefferson, who is good at run defense, wouldn't be a bad selection as a 2-down MIKE linebacker. But you don't want to pay too high of a price for a 2-down player. 3rd round is the soonest I'd be happy with this selection.

I don't think he's a MLB. I think he could be an OLB in a 43. He would be a great Jack ILB in a 34, with a little coaching IMO.

In fact, I could see a team like KC taking him to replace Derrick Johnson. He would be great value if you took him in the 3rd and just developed him. That would give you the opportunity to move on from an expensive FA like Hitchens.

 

[beware_d-ware]

LBs without instincts always scare me.