Few wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class can claim the kind of polished route-running skills and NFL pedigree that Florida’s Van Jefferson brings to the table.
A smooth operator and son of a 13-year NFL veteran, Jefferson recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, details on his rehab plan following ankle surgery, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
VJ: It was a great experience. I got to fulfill a dream that I’ve had since I was a little kid. I got to go out there and meet some of the guys that I’ve been watching on TV (laughs). The whole process was such a blessing. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go out there. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to compete. Other than that, I loved the opportunity. I’m very thankful for it.
JM: When did you find out about the foot injury and that surgery was required for it?
VJ: I found out on the Wednesday that I wasn’t gonna be able to participate in the combine. I found out the very next day that it would require surgery.
JM: What’s the road to recovery looking like?
VJ: It’s gonna take about six weeks. I’m having surgery on Thursday, March 5th. I’m flying out to Green Bay today. When I get there, they’ll do an assessment on me. After the surgery, I’ll have to be non-bearing for about two weeks. I plan head out to my parents place in New Jersey. I’ll be up there for those two weeks. After that, I’ll head back to Florida and start attacking the rehab process.
JM: Did you have many formal or informal meetings at the combine?
VJ: I had a lot of informals. I had just one formal interview, and that was with the Los Angeles Chargers. I met with a lot of receiver coaches throughout the informals. It was a lot of fun. I had informals with the Bears, Vikings, Jets, Raiders, Steelers, Ravens, Cardinals, Falcons, Colts, Rams, Seahawks and Bills. I’m sure I forgot a few of them (laughs).
JM: Do you have any private visits scheduled? Or is the surgery delaying that process?
VJ: I don’t have any scheduled right now. We’re just waiting for the surgery to get done. We’re just focused on getting healthy and starting the rehab process. We’ll worry about that when the time comes. We might start that process after my pro day. I’m not 100 percent sure yet.
JM: Every year, we hear a report of a guy getting asked a strange question at the combine. What was the weirdest question you were asked by a team?
VJ: I didn’t really get any strange questions. I know that you always hear a story from a guy that got asked something really weird but I didn’t have anything like that. Everybody was pretty up front with me. They never questioned me on anything strange. There wasn’t anything that caught me off guard.
JM: Who are some of the best cornerbacks you’ve gone up against throughout your career?
VJ: If we’re talking about my entire career, I’d have to go back a few years and mention Tre’Davious White from LSU. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a special talent. Derek Stingley, Jr. and Kristian Fulton were very good. Noah Igbinoghene from Auburn was pretty good, as well. He’s gonna be a good player.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
VJ: My favorite route to run would probably be a slant. We ran a lot of slants in our offense here at Florida. I just tried to perfect that route. I can run any route, but I would say that a slant is probably my favorite.
JM: How did you sharpen your route-running ability?
VJ: That’s just something that came from my dad and coach Z [Florida Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers coach Billy Gonzales]. I learned so much from them. They’re amazing when it comes to the technique of route running. They taught me how to drop my weight, how to get out of breaks and how to get in and out of my cuts. I’m forever indebted to those two people. They helped me implement all of that into my game.
JM: Speaking of your father, you’re referring to 13-year NFL veteran and wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. Coach Jefferson has spent time on staff with the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, among others. What’s the biggest lesson he’s ever taught you?
VJ: I think the biggest lesson my dad ever taught me was to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. He’s been preaching that to me my entire life. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Be prepared at all times because you never know when your moment will come. When that moment comes, you gotta be ready to take advantage. I’ve always done that. I pride myself off of that. I’m always prepared and ready for the moment. No stage is too big. I’m gonna take advantage of any and every opportunity that comes my way.
JM: what kind of impact is Van Jefferson going to make at the next level?
VJ: I’m gonna make a huge impact. I feel like I’m gonna go out there and make the biggest impact of any receiver in this class. I feel like I can come in and play right away. My overall understanding of the game will allow me to make an immediate impact. Of course it’s gonna take hard work and the trust of my teammates and coaching staff but I plan on earning that. I feel like I’m ready. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this. I’m ready to go.
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