2020 NFL Draft: LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson scouting report

Scouting 2020 NFL Draft prospect Justin Jefferson. Where does he land in a very deep wide receiver class?

We all know the 2020 NFL Draft class is deep at wide receiver, and that there are plenty of first and second-round talents. LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson is certainly among that group, but how high? Let’s find out as we grade his film!

Name: Justin Jefferson
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 192 pounds

Games Watched: Utah State (2019), Texas (2019), Florida (2019), Alabama (2019), Georgia (2019), Oklahoma (2019), Clemson (2019), Mississippi State (2019)
2019 Stats: 111 catches, 1,540 yards, 18 touchdowns

Film Assessment

Route Running: Jefferson is so polished as a route runner out of the slot. He’s often given room to work and takes advantage of it. He has great patience off the line of scrimmage and doesn’t tip his hand early. Jefferson isn’t wicked quick, but gets in and out of his breaks efficiently without rounding anything out.

His eye manipulation when reaching the top of his routes is up there with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III in this class, and helps him create separation. Jefferson also works well at the top of the route with hesitation and he works to find open space. When working vertically, he can hit another gear to find a sliver of separation.

Release: While Jefferson does often get a free release, it doesn’t mean he can’t beat press coverage. His release isn’t elite, but it’s plenty adequate to gain initial leverage. He can win into an inside or outside stem with a vicious jab step and shows good hands to cross the face of defenders. More development here would be good if he works more on the perimeter in an NFL offense.

Hands: One of the best pairs of hands in the 2020 NFL Draft class. It’s very rare to see Jefferson catch the ball with his body. He consistently catches the ball away from his frame and tucks it away through contact. He has a solid catch radius and attacks the ball in the air downfield with good timing and a strong grip.

Ball Skills: Jefferson shows great abilities in this area as well. He wins plenty in contested spots down the field and high points the football very well. He can keep defenders boxed out in contested spots as well. Jefferson is also good at adjusting to the football when it’s in the air and tracks it well into his hands.

YAC/RAC Ability: Jefferson wins a lot after the catch because he has that extra gear in his back pocket, making him tougher to catch in open space than I originally thought. He has sufficient lateral agility to make defenders miss in space. His best trait after the catch is his toughness to fight for every yard after the catch and isn’t brought down at first contact.

Speed: Speed won’t be a defining trait for him, and it’s not elite to be considered part of his separation skills, but it’s sufficient enough after the catch. His burst isn’t great, but once he gets to his top-end he’s tough to catch.

Blocking: Jefferson gets feisty as a blocker and puts great effort into this area. He knows it’s part of the job in the slot and he gets after it. Jefferson doesn’t stay engaged long against bigger defensive backs, but he will always compete in this spot.

Versatility: For now, Jefferson is mainly going to most effective operating in the slot where he can be patient and work to the top of his route with ease. He’s seen some targets running routes out of the backfield as well.

Play Strength: Jefferson’s play strength shows up most after the catch, where he’s constantly fighting to pick up a first down or find paydirt.

 Film Grade: 8.30/10 (Second Round Grade)

Projection

Justin Jefferson isn’t quite at the level of the top three wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he’s right in the mix with the second group. His route running ability, ball skills, strong hands, and toughness will make him a very good number two wide receiver in the NFL, and it will be a plus if a team can work him out of the slot for the majority of his snaps to max out his effectiveness.

Teams like the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Green Bay Packers are all teams that could be in the mix come April.