Is ‘baller’ Justin Jefferson WR3? Ex-coach says LSU junior could be third receiver drafted
“He’s one of the best receivers that I’ve ever studied in 40-plus years,” a former long-time NFL offensive coordinator/receivers coach told NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks.
Was he talking about one of the Alabama receivers, Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III? Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb? Clemson’s Tee Higgins?
Nope. That former coach and coordinator was referring to LSU junior Justin Jefferson. Brooks said a buzz is building for Jefferson to be the third receiver drafted.
And it’s easy to see why. Aside from the fact that the 6-foot-1, 202-pound junior put up big numbers last season and wowed scouts at the Combine, Jefferson also possesses positional flexibility, as he can be used on the outside or in the slot.
“… Jefferson has been vaulting up the charts as more evaluators have gained an appreciation of his versatile game,” Brooks said, adding that Jefferson “checks off all of the boxes as a premier receiver.”
“Speed (4.43 40), production (111 catches, 1,540 yards, 17 TDs in 2019), ball skills and spectacular route-running ability. In addition, Jefferson is a dynamic runner after the catch who’s capable of lining up anywhere on the field.”
All that led to the glowing report from the long-time coordinator and coach.
“(Jefferson) can do it all and has no fear and can play slot or outside.,” the former coach/coordinator told Brooks. “… He’s a baller who is much better than he’s been credited. Trust me. The kid is a baller.”
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2017 | LSU | SEC | FR | WR | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | |
| *2018 | LSU | SEC | SO | WR | 13 | 54 | 875 | 16.2 | 6 | 5 | 26 | 5.2 | 0 | 59 | 901 | 15.3 | 6 |
| *2019 | LSU | SEC | JR | WR | 15 | 111 | 1540 | 13.9 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 111 | 1540 | 13.9 | 18 | |
| Career | LSU | 165 | 2415 | 14.6 | 24 | 6 | 30 | 5.0 | 0 | 171 | 2445 | 14.3 | 24 | ||||
Jake Rigdon (jake@sydwriting.com) covers the NFL draft for Fanspeak and the On The Clock, which is the only NFL draft simulator that allows you to customize and use your own big board while giving you control over trades.
Justin Jefferson might have the best “it” factor of any WR in the draft. Acts and plays like a star.
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 21, 2020
Related Articles
