Tag: Justin Jefferson

Latest Kiper mock draft sends WR Justin Jefferson to Packers

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay agree! The long-time ESPN draft analyst sent LSU WR Justin Jefferson to the Packers his latest mock draft.

The latest mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr. has the ESPN draft analyst following in the footsteps of a colleague.

Just as Todd McShay projected earlier this month, Kiper’s second mock draft of the season has the Green Bay Packers taking LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 30 overall of the 2020 draft.

Kiper’s first mock draft, which was posted in January, sent Penn State receiver KJ Hamler to the Packers at the end of the first round. Now, it’s the prolific slot receiver from the national champions ending up in Green Bay.

From Kiper: “Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger; it’s time for the Packers to use a first-round pick on a receiver. Davante Adams was the only Green Bay pass-catcher to have more than 53 targets last season, and he had 127. This team needs a competent No. 2 wideout. Jefferson broke out in a big way last season, catching 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. You might remember him from his four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal. He led the FBS in total catches and first-down receptions (66). If Green Bay cuts Jimmy Graham, it would become a candidate to take the first tight end off the board in this class.”

Receiver and inside linebacker continue to be the favorite positions for the Packers to address in national mock drafts, a sensible thought for a team that needs so much help at both positions. The 2020 draft class is deep at receiver, so it’s only reasonable to expect the Packers to grab one – or even two – pass-catching prospects.

Jefferson, the favorite target of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, could give Aaron Rodgers a reliable weapon in the slot and a potentially dangerous threat in the middle of the field and in the red zone. At the very least, Jefferson would serve as a massive upgrade on Geronimo Allison, who struggled mightily over almost 700 snaps in Matt LaFleur’s offense in 2019.

Lance Zierlein’s draft profile of Jefferson labeled him as a “quarterback’s best friend” who is “slippery in space” and “naturally instinctive” as a pass-catcher.

Jefferson was the fifth receiver off the board in Kiper’s mock. CeeDee Lamb (No. 11), Jerry Jeudy (No. 12), Tee Higgins (No. 21) and Henry Ruggs (No. 22) went before him. Linebacker Kenneth Murray, another popular Packers pick, came off the board at No. 19. Linebacker Patrick Queen was slotted in at No. 28.

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Colts take offense early in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft

Draft Wire’s 4-round mock draft gives the Colts a new QB.

Though the NFL Combine is just getting here in a week, the Indianapolis Colts are already running through their list of prospects on the big board ahead of the 2020 NFL draft.

There will be a lot of changes to the draft stock of several players between now and April 23. However, that isn’t keeping the mock drafts from flowing freely out on the interwebs.

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Our friends over at Draft Wire conducted a four-round mock draft, in which the Colts have five selections. Here’s how it looks:

No. 13 | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

“This may seem early for Love, but after a solid week at the Senior Bowl, he just might be the clear-cut QB4 in this year’s class. That being the case, don’t be surprised if a team like the Colts pulls the trigger to make sure they land him. Jacoby Brissett would be a solid bridge option while Love smooths out the rough edges in his game.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire

No. 34 (from WAS) | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

After getting their potential future quarterback in Love, the Colts went with Jefferson to beef up the wide receiver room. While there are plenty of debates as to whether Jefferson is the best fit for the Colts, there some intriguing aspects. He’s shown sticky hands and contested-catch ability. His speed overall might be a bit of a concern and there are questions whether he will be able to carry the WR1 role.

No. 44 | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma

Adding to the interior defensive line is one of the biggest needs for the Colts this offseason. Getting Gallimore at No. 44 might be a steal given what he could bring to the Colts defensive line. Likely best suited for the one-technique, Gallimore has penetrating traits that could work extremely well in the Colts’ one-gap front.

No. 75 | Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan

Uche brings a lot of upside to the Colts in the third round here. A strong run defender and bendy edge rusher, the Colts would be able to work him in behind Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu. He didn’t have the best production at Michigan, but there is plenty to like about Uche in the third round.

No. 112 | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan

With Pierre Desir regressing in 2019 and the Colts needing more depth in the cornerback room, Hill would be a project in the secondary. He’s shown an ability to be strong in press coverage, which is a trait that has been increasingly common in the cornerbacks the Colts have drafted.

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2020 NFL Scouting Combine: LSU WR Justin Jefferson named a player for the Eagles to watch

LSU WR Justin Jefferson named a player for the Eagles to watch at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

The Philadelphia Eagles are deep into their NFL Draft preparation with most mocks having the Birds land a wide receiver in the first round.

Most of the mock drafts have centered around Tee Higgins and Henry Ruggs III, but according to NFL.com, a National Champion and one of LSU’s most explosive athletes is the player for the Eagles to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Justin Jefferson put on a show for the Tigers in the College Football Playoffs, and NFL.com believes he’d be a perfect fit for Carson Wentz.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU. The Eagles were extremely thin (and, to be fair, injury-riddled) at wide receiver last season, so expect them to look at this receiver class as a whole. Jefferson could pique their interest.

A fast and elusive playmaker who caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for the nation’s No. 1 team last season, Jefferson projects to be selected between the late first round and the second, giving the Eagles ample opportunity to snag another explosive target for Carson Wentz.

In LSU’s dominant 42-25 win over Clemson, Jefferson had nine catches for 108 yards.

2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top-7 WR prospects

2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top-7 WR prospects

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 NFL offseason with a need for dynamic playmakers on offense as Howie Roseman and company look to upgrade the roster at several pertinent positions.

Despite carrying a hefty load at wide receiver from a salary perspective, the Eagles are expected to be active during a historic NFL Draft that could see more than 8 wideouts selected in the first round.

Philadelphia doesn’t have to draft a receiver with their first-round pick, but this year would be as good as any year to take the leap.

With the Eagles needing a big-time playmaker on the outside or in the slot, here are the rankings of the top-7 wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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1. Jerry Jeudy — Alabama

The cream of the 2020 NFL Draft crop, Jeudy is arguably the best route runner in the class, and he marvels former Crimson Tide star Julio Jones with his ability to torment defenders on the perimeter.

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2020 NFL Draft: MJD mock draft has Bills take fifth WR

Buffalo Bills pick WR Justin Jefferson in Maurice-Jones Drew’s first mock draft.

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew knows a thing or two about offense. The former player-turned-analyst is very high on the upcoming class of wide receivers slated to enter the 2020 NFL Draft in his first mock draft of the offseason, too.

In total, seven wide receivers are selected in the first round of his mock, which very well might be a record. In that portion, the Bills take the fifth one off of the board.

At pick No. 22, the Bills select LSU’s Justin Jefferson.

Here’s why MJD pegs him for Buffalo:

School: LSU | Year: Junior

Jefferson has the size to go up and get the ball, and he’s willing to cross over the middle of the field to make plays.

Adding to the intrigue of the Bills getting on board with the wideout train in the first round, they complete a hat trick, of sorts.

Jerry Jeudy is selected at 12 (Raiders), then CeeDee Lamb is gone at 15 (Broncos). The next three wideouts picked, including Jefferson, all go three in a row. Tee Higgins goes to the Jaguars at 20, the Eagles pick Henry Ruggs at 21, and then the Bills get their man in Jefferson.

Jefferson’s stock is certainly a question mark at this time. With the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February, his draft stuatus will likely settle. Currently he goes anywhere from mid-first round to mid-second round in mock drafts. A good scouting combine workout could mean all the difference for him.

In Jefferson, the Bills would land a potential project for their No. 1 wideout spot in the future. After getting rid of Zay Jones, the Bills have a need for youth there as John Brown and Cole Beasley are playing well, but are vets. The 6-foot-2 Jefferson would give the Bills a bigger body the offense and Josh Allen needs on the outside, as MJD mentions as well.

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Pro Football Focus names the Eagles three biggest offseason needs

The Eagles have several big needs but a field-stretching wide receiver is the teams biggest needs

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 offseason looking to make major changes on both sides of the ball, with the goal being to get younger and more athletic quickly.

The Eagles are likely to address their needs via the early stages of free agency and with their 10 likely picks in the NFL Draft. With Carson Wentz needing weapons and more help, Pro Football Focus named the biggest offseason needs for all 32 teams.

For the Eagles, the needs were obvious and straight to the point.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: A FIELD-STRETCHING WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary needs: cornerbacks, safety

The existence of a deep passing game disappeared after DeSean Jackson injured his abdominal muscle twice in 2019, relegating the Eagles offense to a plodding attack at times. Even with Jackson returning, it’ll be imperative for the Eagles to target two or three dynamic playmakers, via the draft.

On the defense, the Eagles have a solid core with their front seven, but Howie Roseman and company will attempt a massive overhaul in the secondary, after the cornerback’s severe struggles over the past two seasons.

NFL releases full list of 337 players invited to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

NFL releases full list of 337 players invited to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to embark on the journey of landing Carson Wentz some high-profile weapons and the next phase of draft preparation will start at the NFL Combine.

On Friday the NFL released the full list of 337 players invited to the 2020 NFL Combine scheduled to begin three weeks from today.

Wide receivers and offensive linemen will highlight the event, as 55 wideouts and 52 offensive linemen have been invited to Lucas Oil Stadium.

For the Eagles, the bulk of the Combine attention will likely be placed on dynamic and explosive playmakers at wide receiver and cornerback.

Packers get LSU WR Justin Jefferson in McShay’s first mock draft

The Packers got the most productive WR in college football in Todd McShay’s first mock draft of the offseason.

The first mock draft of the offseason from ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Green Bay Packers getting help for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round.

McShay sent LSU receiver Justin Jefferson to the Packers at No. 30 overall.

According to McShay, Jefferson “excels in adjusting his routes to find windows” and can generate “late separation,” which helped him become one of the most productive receivers in college football in 2019.

As a junior, Jefferson caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for the national champions. He was Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow’s favorite target. In Green Bay, he’d be a complementary weapon to Davante Adams and Aaron Jones for the Packers’ offense.

Jefferson would likely solve two problems in Green Bay. Not only would he provide the offense with another playmaker in the passing game, but he’d also give the Packers a legitimate weapon in the slot and a creator in the middle of the field. Geronimo Allison was one of the NFL’s least efficient receivers while operating from the slot for the Packers in 2019.

Last season, Jefferson led college football in catches from the slot. It’s possible he could develop into a Keenan Allen-like playmaker at the next level.

The Packers haven’t picked a receiver in the first round of a draft since 2004. They’ve struck gold on receivers in the second round (see: Adams, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb), but Jefferson might be too good and too good of a fit to pass up if he’s still there at No. 30 overall in April.

Carson Wentz needs his own Tyreek Hill: 5 players that could fill such a role for the Eagles

With Carson Wentz needing playmakers on the Eagles offense, Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman must find him an explosive player like Tyreek Hill.

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best head coaches in the NFL but they are without question in the Super Bowl because of Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill quickly becoming the most explosive QB/WR duo in the NFL.

The NFL is now a passing league and most of the more successful signal-callers in the league have a guy on the roster that can outrun a defense.

Whether it be Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett or any other dynamic duo, the need for speed is the one common denominator.

How explosive has Hill been for the Chiefs?

As a rookie, Hill scored nine touchdowns on 85 total touches, while playing only 41 percent of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps. Over the past two seasons, Hill and Mahomes have connected on 18 pass plays of 30 yards or more, most for any quarterback-receiver duo in the NFL.

Mahomes’ 56 completions of 30 or more yards are most in the league among quarterbacks, and Hill’s 22 receptions of 30+ yards are the most among receivers.

With the Eagles having a serious need for speed, here are five players that can do for Wentz what Tyreek Hill has done for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

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1. Henry Ruggs III — WR — Alabama

Ruggs III is the one constant name being linked to the Eagles this draft season, and he’d fit right into a league that’s already dominated by speed.

During a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks this season, Ruggs III was clocked at 24.3 miles per hour on a touchdown run and he ran 10.58 seconds in the 100-meters while in high school.

Ruggs III averaged 18.6 yards per catch this season and 17.5 yards per catch during his three-year career at Bama with 25 total touchdowns.

Ruggs is more than just a vertical threat and his ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands, gives him the best shot to be utilized like Hill in the Eagles offense.

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Justin Jefferson scouting report, potential fit with the Eagles

Here is a former LSU wide receivers Justin Jefferson’s scouting report and potential fit with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Fresh off of winning a National Championship, former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson enters the 2020 NFL Draft with some well-deserved hype. The 6’3” 192 pound pass-catcher ended his magical 2019 season with an impressive 111 receptions, 1,540 yards, and 18 touchdowns.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be scouting the wide receiver position hard this offseason and Jefferson will be a fun evaluation for them. In a recent mock draft, we had the Eagles taking Jefferson in the 2nd round following the Eagles’ Wildcard playoff loss.

Here is a scouting report and breakdown of Jefferson’s strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: If you love route-running technicians, you will love Jefferson. There is something about the way he gets open that is so appealing. He is so crafty and creative. He can run every route there is, but his best may be the option route LSU let him run a ton. Jefferson would release off the ball slow and either breaks out, in, or deep. He dominated defenders off of it because he is so deceptive with his cuts and body movements. What I loved the most about him running this route was his understanding of where to be to help his QB make the easiest throw.

His hands are awesome. He had a few drops over the course of the year, but it isn’t an issue at all. If the ball is thrown to him and touches his hands, 99% of the time he is catching it. There were countless times when he snapped his head and the ball was already on him, but he plucks it out of the air with his hands.

Jefferson has great quickness while running routes. He pairs his quickness with his route running and can easily get open. At a bare minimum, he will have a successful NFL career as a slot wide receiver just based off those traits.

He makes contested catches and battles when the ball is in there air. He also makes plays when the ball is in his hands. He always tries to pick up the first down and once he secures the first down; he is trying to score. He had some “wow” plays after the catch this year.

Jefferson is also dominant in the red zone. If they are passing in the red zone, Jefferson is working to score touchdowns, and he scores a lot of them in the red zone (12 out of his 18).

He also steps up in big games. Against Texas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson he averaged 9 receptions, 136 yards, and 1 score.

Weaknesses: I do not think he is the fastest guy on the field, but he isn’t slow. He just doesn’t seem to have that game-changing speed that some receivers do. He relies more on his craft than his speed, but that is okay.

He predominantly played in the slot at LSU, so he will need to show he can be more than a slot wide receiver in the NFL. He may never be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL and that will be a big factor in where he is drafted. You need to hope he can succeed on the outside.

In the run game, he is very inconsistent with his blocking. Sometimes he just likes to be a spectator too soon instead of working. He does have great technique leading up to the block, but doesn’t always finish well as a blocker.

Overall Impression: Slot wide receiver or not, Jefferson is a dude. The guy is 7-Eleven; he is always open. I think he has the tools to succeed in the NFL on the outside, but I also think he is best suited to be a dominant slot receiver. Jefferson can easily be a 100-catch guy from the slot in today’s NFL.

He can also plug in Day 1 as a dominant red zone target. His weaknesses are not too worrisome, mainly because he is an ‘A1’ route runner. The speed will be a turn off for some, but his quickness and competitive nature will be more than enough to compensate for it.

Grade: First Round (Picks 24-32)

Fit with the Eagles: One of my favorite things about him is his ability to keep working and understanding when you have an elite quarterback, the play is never over. He would give Carson Wentz a target he can trust every single down and a guy that will finally create separation. He may never be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but he could easily be the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver. There is a lot to love about his game and he would do wonders in Doug Pederson’s offense.

Picture him playing in Nelson Agholor’s role, but actually catching the ball and competing every single play. He would be everything the Eagles wanted in Agholor and then some. Wentz is elite in the red zone and so is Jefferson. Jefferson on the Eagles would be a match made in heaven.

I think if the Eagles want him, they can trade down in the first round and still get him. However, Jefferson should be a high on the Eagles’ draft board and a priority for them on Draft Day.