Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The 6-foot-1, 203 pound receiver played his tail off this past season helping lead his team to a National Championship. While LSU offense was loaded with weapons there is no question Jefferson stood out with his play. Jefferson showed out at the combine running faster than many thought running a 4.43 40 yard dash, posting a 37.5″ vertical, a 10’6″ broad jump and performing well in the on field drills. Jefferson has good size and has good length throughout his frame. He is a smooth athlete which translates to him being a smooth route runner. He is elusive with the ball in his hands and shows very good hands both on a play to play basis but also in contested catch situations. He played mostly in the slot and with that has developed a fearlessness operating in the middle of the field. He shows body control and can adjust to the ball in the air to make the catch. The question for Jefferson is he a slot only player or does he have the versatility to line up outside and be effective. Jefferson completed his Junior season with 111 receptions, 1540 yards, and 18 touchdowns.
Jefferson would slide into the slot with the Cowboys and could become a very friendly target for Dak Prescott as a rookie. With his size he should be able to line up outside at times if Cooper or Gallup were to move inside to help create some favorable match ups. After his pre-draft process its hard to believe he would be available in round two so the Cowboys would have to to draft him at pick 17 or he could be an option if they were to trade back in the first round.
What the experts say:
A quarterback’s best friend, with the contested-catch focus and extreme ball skills to boost completion percentages. Jefferson failed to stand out as an outside target but saw his stock soar with a monster season from the slot. He has decent speed and separation talent, but he needs to improve as a route-runner, as he’s less likely to see the same freedom in space that LSU’s offense helped create for him. He’s slippery in space and able to stab and save throws with quick hands and fluid body adjustments. Teams looking for an inside/outside possession receiver with the size and savvy to make chain-moving catches could push Jefferson up the board.
Justin Jefferson projects as an impact starter at the NFL level. Jefferson brings size, quickness, route running polish, reliable hands to the slot — but don’t mistake him for *just* a slot receiver. Jefferson has the physicality and footwork to win on the boundary against press coverage as well, he’ll be a sufficient weapon for any starting quarterback. Jefferson may not necessarily be best as the focal point of his offensive attack, but he’ll be a deadly #2 threat in an WR room.
Jefferson was a major threat for the LSU offense and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. He possesses solid receiving skills and solid physical skills, but he’s by no means an elite prospect. While Jefferson may end up in the first round of the draft, I think he’s best suited as a No. 2 receiver at the next level.