Quinton Jefferson NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Seahawks Rookie

POSITIVES

A junior at Maryland, Quinton Jefferson threw his hat into the NFL draft ring a year early. NFL teams looking for an interior pass-rusher to develop will take a long, hard look at this 3-technique tackle. Jefferson was uncaged as a junior and posted his best season yet with 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also added a blocked kick and an interception while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.

On the field, Jefferson is a penetrator. He comes out of his stance low and with enough initial quickness to get offensive linemen to panic. He has nice leverage and understands how to use his pad height and hands to get underneath the pads of offensive linemen. Jefferson flashes a nice spin move and an above-average swim to get free as a pass-rusher.

He’s a bit of a dancer at the line, but he has the closing speed and toughness to be effective in pass-rushing situations. His lateral quickness shows well on tape, as does his hip flexibility and burst.

NEGATIVES

Jefferson was invited to the Senior Bowl as a graduated junior but wasn’t able to take advantage of the platform to showcase his skills as a pass-rusher due to a back injury.

In a scouting world in which everything is evaluated, Jefferson’s small hands (8 ⅞”) in relation to the rest of his frame brought up question marks at the Senior Bowl and combine. Jefferson also has smaller-than-ideal legs and could stand to add bulk and power to better handle blockers at the point of attack.

Jefferson will be looked at as a scheme-specific player who can only line up in a one-gapping 4-3 defense. He doesn’t have the power or leverage to play other spots currently. Teams will thoroughly check a torn ACL from his 2014 season.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 291 lbs.

40 Time: 4.95s

3-Cone: 7.95s

Short Shuttle: 4.37s

PRO COMPARISON: Jonathan Babineaux, Atlanta Falcons
FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Round 7—Backup Caliber)