The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Penn State is Linebacker University for a reason. From Jack Ham to NaVorro Bowman to Micah Parsons, the Nittany Lions have sent a lot of talented linebackers to the NFL over the years. Curtis Jacobs is the next one off the factory line.
“Jacobs is unique because of his athleticism at the linebacker spot,” said Daniel Gallen, a Penn State reporter for Lions247. “At the beginning of his recruitment, he was a safety and wide receiver, and there was some talk about him playing offense at the next level. Penn State honed in on him at linebacker, and he developed into a five-star prospect at the position. He spent much of his career at Penn State as the ‘field’ linebacker, where he would be matched up with tight ends in coverage and sometimes cover slot receivers. He didn’t look too out of place in those situations. He also had the versatility to play as the Mike and ‘box’ linebacker when called upon.”
Jacobs enjoyed a breakout season in 2021 when he recorded 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception. The following season, Jacobs recorded 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and a pick-six. This past season the Penn State linebacker recorded nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
A team is going to roll the dice on Jacobs due to his athleticism. Those movement skills are evident when he’s in coverage. The Penn State linebacker moves like a safety and has agile feet.
“There will certainly be a learning curve as he goes up against NFL-level athletes, but he’s a fluid athlete who has run sub-4.5 in the 40,” Gallen said. “Maybe he shouldn’t get matched up against slot receivers, but he should be able to hold his own against running backs and tight ends. Penn State used him as a pass rusher in some of its third-down packages, too.”
Against the run, Jacobs isn’t a downhill enforcer. He’s a run-and-chase linebacker with outstanding quickness to make plays sideline-to-sideline and has the closing burst to the ball carrier. With his short area quickness, he’s able to avoid getting caught up in the trash.
“Penn State struggled against the run when its linebackers weren’t fitting gaps correctly, and Jacobs was a culprit at different times,” Gallen said. “But he has a willingness to stick his nose into the trenches and take a hit if necessary. He seems comfortable both in space and on the interior.”
Jacobs is twitched up and that athleticism shines on special teams. During his time at Happy Valley, Jacobs logged 337 snaps on special teams. Even if Jacobs doesn’t see a ton of playing time on defense as a rookie, he should be able to carve out a role on special teams.
“That’s where his speed and athleticism could give him an avenue to early playing time,” Gallen said. “He played special teams early in his career. He was able to showcase those high school wide receiver skills on a fake punt in 2021. He understands the role that it plays for the team and how it could allow him to see the field early. He would be willing and able.”
Fit with the Packers
De’Vondre Campell may or may not be back with the Green Bay Packers next season. 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, they’ll need to find Quay Walker a new running mate. Even if the Packers decide to keep Campbell around, it may be wise to use a Day 3 pick on a linebacker as they look toward the future.
That’s where Jacobs enters the chat. A team is going to select Jacobs and bet on his athletic traits and potential.
While he may not be a thumper, Jacobs is an outstanding athlete and has the movement skills to match up with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
He’ll also benefit from playing behind the likes of Kenny Clark, who could help mask some of Jacobs’ shortcomings against the run. With Clark occupying space in front of him, Jacobs could be free to fly to the football.
“Curtis Jacobs provides athleticism and versatility at the linebacker spot that plays in the modern NFL,” Gallen said. “His raw numbers might not have reached what some expected for a five-star prospect following in the footsteps of Micah Parsons, but Jacobs was a valuable member of the Penn State defense during his career. Additionally, Jacobs seemed to be at his best when the lights were brightest. He had 10 tackles in the prime-time season opener against West Virginia and nine tackles at Ohio State this season. He had 14 tackles against Minnesota in the White Out last season.”
On top of everything Jacobs brings to the football field, the Penn State linebacker seems like a “Packer” prospect off the field and in the locker room.
“From an off-field perspective, Jacobs has an easygoing personality and was always polite and accommodating to the media,” Gallen said. “He was one of our favorite players to cover. He wasn’t voted a team captain, but he was regarded as a leader on the team. On top of that, Jacobs had a genuine appreciation for the history at Penn State. Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham is Penn State’s radio color commentator, and Jacobs would try to spend extra time with Ham to learn about his time as a player while also trying to pick up on pointers for his own game.”