Malik Jefferson NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

POSITIVES

—Top-tier athlete with special burst and open-field speed.

—Has the natural strength to stack blockers or press in coverage at the line of scrimmage.

—Scheme and position versatility with upside as a pass-rusher or off-ball linebacker.

—Can chase down ball-carriers with ease and has the speed to run with tight ends up the seam.

—Still developing nuances of the position; his best football could still be ahead of him.

—See-ball, get-ball type linebacker who can be a mismatch for offenses to worry about.

NEGATIVES

—Moved around the Texas defense with only one year of notable production.

—Nagging injuries affected him in his first two seasons.

—Instincts are a step late, which he covered up with speed at Texas.

—Missed tackles were an issue; needs to square up ball-carriers better and make less whip-style tackles.

Malik Jefferson LB NFL Draft

OVERALL

On athleticism and upside, Malik Jefferson is a first-rounder, but every team must evaluate him differently. He isn't a fit in a scheme that wants him to sit and read, but if he's freed up to make plays either in space or coming off the edge as a pass-rusher, he could make a huge immediate impact.

GRADE: 6.99 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh Steelers