Brad Jefferson of Georgia Tech ~ 6.1/245
"A short, stocky inside linebacker who lacks ideal fluidity even in tight areas and struggles to quickly change directions in all areas of the game. Displays a decent feel vs. the pass game, especially in man coverage where he can read routes well and stay in the back pocket of receivers, consistently getting early jumps on the route. However, the more space he's asked to play in the less effective he is and isn't a guy who can turn and run down the field with athletic tight ends. Seems to get caught ball watching at times in zone and isn't real rangy when asked to quickly click and close on a throw.
Showcases a good thump taking on blocks downhill vs. the run game. Takes on lead guys with good leverage and has the ability to stonewall blockers in the hole. However, isn't real long armed and isn't a guy who uses his hands well enough to shed on contact. Is a limited athlete who doesn't exhibit much of a first step in pursuit and when asked to close on the football off his frame. Also, is pretty inconsistent with his instincts. Has a tendency to run himself out of some plays, struggles to consistently key off the correct linemen and lacks the type of athleticism or change of direction skills to quickly re-direct and get himself back involved. Is a good wrap-up tackler in a phone booth who brings his legs and can create a jolt on contact, but lacks the ability to consistently reach and tackle ball carriers off his frame or in space.
Impression: A solid college ILB, but lacks the range and/or fluidity to hold up in space and doesn't have the kind of instincts to consistently make up for it in the NFL."
Showcases a good thump taking on blocks downhill vs. the run game. Takes on lead guys with good leverage and has the ability to stonewall blockers in the hole. However, isn't real long armed and isn't a guy who uses his hands well enough to shed on contact. Is a limited athlete who doesn't exhibit much of a first step in pursuit and when asked to close on the football off his frame. Also, is pretty inconsistent with his instincts. Has a tendency to run himself out of some plays, struggles to consistently key off the correct linemen and lacks the type of athleticism or change of direction skills to quickly re-direct and get himself back involved. Is a good wrap-up tackler in a phone booth who brings his legs and can create a jolt on contact, but lacks the ability to consistently reach and tackle ball carriers off his frame or in space.
Impression: A solid college ILB, but lacks the range and/or fluidity to hold up in space and doesn't have the kind of instincts to consistently make up for it in the NFL."
"Bio: Two-year starter who posted 78/7.5/4 as a senior after he led the team with 95 tackles as a junior.
Positive: Small but hardworking linebacker who flies around the football. Breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and scrapes well laterally. Sells out on the blitz, sacrifices his body to make the play, and gives effort. Explosive and wraps up when tackling.
Negative: Lacks great pursuit speed and cannot cut off the flanks from ball carriers. Struggles in coverage and can be overmatched by tight ends. Tends to make his first move up the field.
Analysis: Jefferson is a hardworking, two-down defender who is best stuffing the run. His effort and hustle could help him find a spot on a two deep at inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment."
Positive: Small but hardworking linebacker who flies around the football. Breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and scrapes well laterally. Sells out on the blitz, sacrifices his body to make the play, and gives effort. Explosive and wraps up when tackling.
Negative: Lacks great pursuit speed and cannot cut off the flanks from ball carriers. Struggles in coverage and can be overmatched by tight ends. Tends to make his first move up the field.
Analysis: Jefferson is a hardworking, two-down defender who is best stuffing the run. His effort and hustle could help him find a spot on a two deep at inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment."
"Positives: Above average production each of the last two years, recorded 78 tackles and four sacks in 2010... Good size and bulk, appears to have a very solid frame... Has marginal speed for the position (mid-4.6-40)... Has experience in several systems, played in a 4-3 defense first three years and a 3-4 in 2010... Plays very low off the snap, does not come up out of stance often, stays low and uses leverage to wade through traffic behind the line... Does a good job recognizing plays, knows responsibilities and is effective in zone coverage... Has some pop at contact, is not afraid to take on blockers and make a big hit... No character issues to speak of, has the ability to be a good leader at the next level.
Negatives: Will over-pursue and fail to break down against shiftier runners, needs to work on change-of-direction ability... Has dealt with some injury issues, including a dislocated wrist that sidelined him for several games in 2008... Does not have much ability to avoid and disengage from blocks by linemen, engages a little high and does not utilize hands to get off blocks... Can be fooled by hard counts, take a lot of false steps before the snap in anticipation of the snap, may be a liability at the line of scrimmage when blitzing... Could have a higher motor, appears somewhat lethargic when away from the ball... Will come in too high when making tackles, not the best wrap-up tackler... Is not an every-down linebacker, will come off the field in third-down situations because of lack of man coverage and pass-rushing skills."
Negatives: Will over-pursue and fail to break down against shiftier runners, needs to work on change-of-direction ability... Has dealt with some injury issues, including a dislocated wrist that sidelined him for several games in 2008... Does not have much ability to avoid and disengage from blocks by linemen, engages a little high and does not utilize hands to get off blocks... Can be fooled by hard counts, take a lot of false steps before the snap in anticipation of the snap, may be a liability at the line of scrimmage when blitzing... Could have a higher motor, appears somewhat lethargic when away from the ball... Will come in too high when making tackles, not the best wrap-up tackler... Is not an every-down linebacker, will come off the field in third-down situations because of lack of man coverage and pass-rushing skills."
"Strengths: Made every season better than the last. Decent size. Nice power at the POA. Can stand up bigger offensive linemen, and enjoys mixing it up with bigger people and holding his own. Can disengage and fly to the tackle. Stacks well in short yardage situations. Can chase. Decent overall athleticism. Can put some pressure on the QB when asked. Still learning the position.
Weaknesses: A little mechanical in his movements. Not a great lateral guy. Doesn't play the piano much. Attacks straight ahead, or flies well to the ball going by him, but doesn't do a great job reading and reacting. Effort guy. Spends too much time hand-fighting at the POA with linemen.
Projection: 6-7th rounder with some upside left."
Weaknesses: A little mechanical in his movements. Not a great lateral guy. Doesn't play the piano much. Attacks straight ahead, or flies well to the ball going by him, but doesn't do a great job reading and reacting. Effort guy. Spends too much time hand-fighting at the POA with linemen.
Projection: 6-7th rounder with some upside left."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Brad Jefferson
Brad Jefferson projects a Late Round Roster Depth guy who is REALLY gonna have to bust it, to make a roster!!
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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