Van Jefferson | WR | Florida
Elevator Pitch
Jefferson is a polished receiver with a PhD in route running. He’s a fluid athlete who has an acute understanding of techniques to use and methods to apply to create separation against his opponents. Though he may likely never be a true No. 1 weapon at the next level, his intelligence and crispness indicate he’ll serve as a valuable complementary piece.
Vitals
Height | 6-1
Weight | 200
Strengths
If there’s one thing Jefferson does well, it’s route running.
The son of a 13-year NFL veteran and New York Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, the Florida product has a great feel for the game and a high football IQ. He attacks leverage points well against man coverage and knows how to take advantage of a cornerback’s blind spot to alter his route. His footwork is of a high caliber, as he’s a coordinated athlete who is able to sell route concepts through his stems. Jefferson sinks his hips well into his cuts and changes direction well when he runs his routes. He can also attack soft spots in zone coverage well and knows where he can find a place to get open given the defense’s strategy. Though not a big-bodied boundary receiver, he does do a good job of using his hands to create separation against press.
Jefferson is also a solid athlete for the receiver position. His athleticism is apparent in the way he stops on a dime and changes direction in his routes, but he also offers value after the catch. He has solid vision in the open field and has enough spring in his step to make defenders miss. He has good body control and is able to make adjustments to the ball in order to make a grab.
Weaknesses
Though Jefferson has the technique to consistently make plays, he doesn’t have standout physical tools to warrant a first-round pick. His deep speed is pretty average – he won’t be able to burn past some of the cornerbacks he matches up with on vertical routes. The moves he uses, though precise, can sometimes be limited in their effectiveness depending on how well he accelerates coming out of his breaks, and there are times when he doesn’t showcase much explosiveness.
Jefferson also doesn’t have top-notch physicality, despite having a bit of a bigger frame for a receiver. He can occasionally struggle to haul in the catch in tight-window situations, and his hands aren’t always strong enough to hold onto the ball when a defender is right on him. His production at both Florida and Ole Miss was solid, but he never had a standout statistical season.
Projection: 3rd-4th Round
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