2021 NFL Draft: LB Jabril Cox could explode into first-round conversation

Jabril Cox is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft linebacker prospect who undoubtedly has first-round upside.

Jabril Cox could enter the 2021 NFL Draft as the most accomplished linebacker prospect in the class. He was a three-year starter at North Dakota State and was one of the most important defensive players on back-to-back-to-back FCS National Championship teams. He was a first-team All-American selection in both 2018 and 2019 and was the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.

After an extremely successful career at North Dakota State, Cox is taking his game to the next level. He will play the 2020 season at LSU, testing his skills against top-tier SEC competition. If Cox can prove himself against the best college football players in the country, his 2021 NFL Draft stock will go through the roof.

Cox has the ideal skill-set for a modern NFL linebacker. He is a long and athletic defender who easily ranges from sideline-to-sideline. He is a twitchy and explosive athlete who closes on the ball carrier quickly and shows impressive range as a tackler.

At North Dakota State, Cox also showed impressive pass coverage ability. He is a tremendous natural man-to-man defender who consistently dominated opposing tight ends and running backs and even showed the ability to handle opposing slot receivers. Cox’s combination of quickness, length and athleticism allows him to consistently shine in coverage and he will be able to defend a wide range of offensive players at the next level.

Cox’s move to LSU gives him a chance to take his game to the next level. He has all of the physical skills needed to have success against any level of competition, but his 2021 NFL Draft was always going to be limited if he finished his career at North Dakota State. This move to LSU gives Cox the eliminate any questions about his game. If he can shine in his only season at LSU, the sky is the limit when it comes to his 2021 NFL Draft stock.