Malik Jefferson LB UT
Strengths: Flies around the field and displays sideline to sideline playmaking range. Makes a ton of plays in the box and behind the line of scrimmage. Quick to diagnose plays and typically puts himself in good position to make a play. Sheds and fights off blocks with ease and typically gets to ballcarriers and finishes plays quickly. Displays an ability to time blitzes and get through gaps as both a run defender and pass rushers, and is a violent finisher when he gets into the backfield. Excels in coverage, running with tight ends and running backs in man coverage and following his responsibilities well in all levels of zone coverage. Punishes receivers over the middle and rarely are balls thrown in his direction.
Weaknesses: Aggressiveness in pursuit causes him to occasionally overrun plays and open running lanes or miss tackles against more agile running backs. Takes bad angles occasionally in pursuit which he can usually cover with athleticism. Occasionally misses on blitzes when he should have the QB dead to rights. Sometimes slow to recognize playaction and screens.
Other: Ideal 4-3 MLB or 3-4 ILB in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Patrick Willis