Jefferson hopes to be movin’ on up in draft
Former UT linebacker has strong showing in front of teams
INDIANAPOLIS — Pacing with nervous energy, University of Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson couldn’t wait for the chance to display his speed to NFL scouts.
Finally, Jefferson set his track spikes and waited for Pittsburgh Steelers scout Mark Gorscak to give him the word that it was his turn.
Jefferson bolted out of his stance, looking more like a track athlete than a burly football player.
When the 40-yard dash was over, a scant 4.52 seconds later, the 6-3, 236-pound former Longhorns standout broke into a big smile.
It was a moment the Mesquite native had waited a long time for, another important box checked and a major step taken toward fulfilling his dream of an NFL career.
Jefferson proved adept at hoisting heavy metal, too, doing 27 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
No problem with process
Although the NFL scouting combine is often described as a meat market that includes NFL teams asking highly personal questions, players being paraded around in their underwear and being poked and prodded by doctors, Jefferson embraces the process.
“I think this is pretty cool, honestly,” Jefferson said. “The meat market quote is kind of realistic, but, at the same time, you got to appreciate where you’re at. Not a lot of guys get to do this: be in front of a crowd, be on national TV and watch people work out.
“My thing is just soaking the moment, realize the blessings I’ve received because I could have (not) been here. I could have been doing something else, a (different) style of life.”
Instead, Jefferson is poised to join the NFL as a potential second-round or third-round selection after a career with the Longhorns that didn’t quite live up to all of the lofty expectations upon his arrival in Austin.
Jefferson takes it all in stride, though. The 21-year-old former blue-chip recruit and prep Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top high school linebacker is ready for anything.
That includes the random questions he experienced from NFL personnel intended to trip him up.
“I got antagonized about if I drink or smoke and they thought I was lying,” Jefferson said. “I denied it, of course, but I got antagonized about it. I don’t know the craziest question. Some of psychological tests — actually, I do have a crazy one. It was numbers.
“So, a psychological test doing like subtract four from 100, then subtract two. It was complicated. I needed a piece of paper. I couldn’t think in my head that fast. It was kind of fast. It was very difficult.”
The NFL isn’t a mathematical equation, though.
Jefferson will be tasked with blitzing into the backfield, covering running backs and chasing down anyone who touches the football.
Although Jefferson is primarily being evaluated as an inside linebacker, he has the requisite speed to shift outside.
By all accounts, Jefferson, who was Big 12 defensive freshman of the year in 2015, provided his stock with a boost.
“I think his tape is more important than what he tests; 27 reps is outstanding,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “I think he’s going to run fast. Because he’s straight-line fast, you can see that on tape. I think he had trouble sometimes getting off blocks.
“He got enveloped sometimes by those big bodies. My grade on him is a third- or fourth-round grade. Most of the teams I’ve talked to are in that area. I’m not sure what he can do to improve that.”
Pass coverage isn’t regarded as Jefferson’s forte. He’s better at stopping the run on first and second downs and penetrating the backfield on third downs.
He gets high marks for his athleticism, pursuit and blitzing. He gets downgraded for not being physical enough at taking on and shedding blocks and not finishing tackles.
“They see me as an inside ’backer,” Jefferson said. “Some guys see me versatile. I told them I can play all three positions because I played it in college.”
Plenty of advice
Jefferson relies on advice from former Texas linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jordan Hicks, two NFL standouts.
During the combine, Jefferson met with the Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, among others.
“Yeah, I talk to Jordan and Derrick Johnson all the time, two great mentors of mine. They’ve been there and they’re doing it now in the NFL. When we’re working out, they always ask me my weight. It’s been fun being around those guys and them teaching me things and the league and how to take care of yourself and be strong in the league.”
Showing that he’s a standout and not just another face in the crowd was Jefferson’s primary goal at the combine.
“Just prove that I’m the best,” he said. “Go out there and show how well I move and how explosive I am.”