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