Kicking off the annual Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
It’s mission impossible to try and get the ground game going against the Texas Longhorns defense. With defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, the Longhorns give up 80.8 yards per game on the ground, which ranks third best in college football.
Jaylan Ford is another key cog of the Longhorns’ stout run defense. The Texas linebacker enters the College Football Playoff matchup against Washington with 91 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions. Ford checks in at No. 100 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
“T’Vondre Sweat garners most of the headlines and rightfully so,” Eric Henry, the Texas beat writer for Horns247, said. “However, Jaylan Ford is one of the glue players for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense, who in the rare times he’s not on the field, you notice his absence. He leads the team in takeaways with four (two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery) and has a natural playmaking ability, especially in timely situations. One of the things that Steve Sarkisian raves about with Ford is his situational awareness and ability to play under control while doing things that help force takeaways.”
The first thing that stands out about Ford is his length. He uses that 6-3 frame to his advantage in all facets of the game. It chokes passing lanes, it helps him get off blocks and it gives him a wide-tackle radius to lasso ball carriers to the ground.
“At 6-3, Jaylan has really great length for a linebacker,” Henry said. “An attribute that he uses well in pass coverage. Additionally, he has a knack for always being around the football and making plays, whether in run support/fit or in coverage. Even going back to his high school days, when you talk with people involved with Jaylan’s recruitment, speak about his ability to be a playmaker around the football as something that jumps out on tape.”
Aside from his length, Ford wins in coverage with his instincts. He’s aware in coverage and has the fluid lower half to make plays in space. The Texas linebacker showcases the route instincts of a cornerback.
On top of what Ford brings in coverage, he’s an effective blitzer. He times it up perfectly and shows good closing burst to the quarterback. Ford finished the regular season with 21 pressures.
“I’d say that Jaylan is one of the top cover linebackers eligible in the draft, especially from the MIKE linebacker spot,” Henry said. “Additionally, he can play outside, if needed and as an off-ball linebacker, he excels in coverage. Athletically, he may not be a 4.5 40 guy, however, he’s never looked like he couldn’t keep up with running backs and tight ends in the Big 12.”
Ford is quick to read his keys and fills gaps with bad intentions. He’s tenacious playing in the box and plays with a motor that runs hot. While he may not be a world-class athlete, he has the chase speed to close down running lanes on the perimeter.
“There’s no denying that T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy make life easier on all of the linebackers, but Jaylan is one of the more instinctive linebackers you’ll come across and that tracks back even to last year – before the breakout seasons of Sweat and Murphy,” Henry said. “He can play behind the opposing team’s line of scrimmage and fit the run well and is an underrated pass rusher as well when asked to blitz from the MIKE spot.”
Fit with the Packers
Another offseason in which the Green Bay Packers need to shore up their run defense. Joe Barry’s squad is currently ranked 30th overall against the run and give up 4.5 yards per carry.
De’Vondre Campell may or may not be back with the Packers this offseason. The veteran linebacker has battled injuries this season and has struggled to rediscover his 2021 form.
If the Packers opt to move on from Campbell, Ford has the skill set to be a three-down linebacker.
Ford finished the past two seasons with 210 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and six interceptions. He’s a tone-setter against the run and has the movement skills and instincts in coverage to make impact plays.
On top of everything Ford would bring to Green Bay’s defense, he’d make an immediate impact on special teams. During his time as a Longhorn, Ford logged 560 snaps on special teams and five tackles.
