How JaCoby Stevens can bring impact to an NFL defense

JaCoby Stevens can wear multiple hats for an NFL defense.

JaCoby Stevens was a jack-of-all-trades for the LSU Tigers. He was a do-it-all type of player who made an impact on the defense all over the field.

What type of impact could Stevens have at the NFL level?

In today’s game, versatility and reliability are two traits NFL teams cherish.

JaCoby Stevens plays at his best when he’s playing downhill football. He does an excellent job at making reads on run plays and is an aggressive, hard-hitting player. Stevens has great football instincts and plays the position as physical as an NFL team would ask for out of a player.

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Near the line of scrimmage, Stevens isn’t afraid to cover tight ends or wide receivers. He is comfortable jumping in on zone coverage or following the receivers in-route.

Former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini utilized JaCoby Stevens in a multitude of ways last season for the Tigers. Stevens lines up as a box safety, deep safety, slot cornerback, and also linebacker. Stevens is tough enough and isn’t afraid to jump in when asked of him.

Stevens thrived in every role that was asked of him throughout his tenure at LSU.

His football attitude and play on the field is a huge plus – as is his leadership inside the locker room.

At the NFL level, a team may view Stevens strictly as a linebacker because of his size and lack of speed and shiftiness. His top speed and explosiveness aren’t elite for the safety position. Stevens lacks some of the elite athletic traits’ teams may look for, but he makes up for this with a high football IQ and instincts.

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There are examples at LSU of Stevens facing a player more talented and athletic, yet Stevens found a way to cover, beat him to the ball; and make an impactful play.

JaCoby Stevens can wear multiple hats for an NFL defense. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of recently retired New England Patriots Safety Patrick Chung. At times, Chung played multiple roles for head coach Bill Belichick. Chung would be asked to play strong safety, slot corner, and even linebacker. Sometimes, he would be asked to play all three positions on the same drive.

Chung was never the greatest athlete on the field, but he was able and willing to play various positions to help the team win.

That sounds a lot like JaCoby Stevens.

Stevens may have to wait until day two or day three to hear his name called, but it will be worth the wait.

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