Penn State could be set to send another linebacker to an NFL team by way of the NFL draft later this spring. [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] is doing what he can to build his draft profile this week as he prepares to participate in this year’s Shrine Bowl on Thursday night.
Jacobs declared for the NFL draft prior to the Peach Bowl at the end of last season, leaving a year of eligibility on the table to pursue his NFL dream. Jacobs did play in the Peach Bowl for the Nittany Lions despite having made up his mind about heading to the NFL, stressing the importance he felt was placed on playing one final game with his teammates. Jacobs was a national semifinalist for the Butkus Award in 2023 as he carried the tradition of Penn State’s linebacker play admirably.
And it seems as though Jacobs is putting on a good showing in Texas leading up to Thursday night’s Shrine Bowl.
One scout called Jacobs “one of the more athletic linebackers in the 2024 NFL draft.” And Jacobs has been impressive with his speed during practices and scouting drills for the Shrine Bowl.
One of the more athletic linebackers in the 2024 NFL Draft Curtis Jacobs opening up his hips in pass coverage. pic.twitter.com/dE4QIiCOGE
— John Blair (@johnblairjunior) January 27, 2024
Fastest LB on the field at @ShrineBowl yesterday:
Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs (6-1, 235): 20.1 mph on the GPS
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 28, 2024
This is just the kind of momentum Jacobs needs to improve his draft stock ahead of the NFL draft. If he continues to demonstrate his athleticism and speed like this at the combine and Pen State’s pro day, he will work his way up the draft boards for any team in need of linebacker depth on their roster.
Jacobs is likely looking like a late-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but he could work his way up to a middle-round draft pick contender if the right team falls into place for him.
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