LSU broad receiver Justin Jefferson (Picture by Todd Kirkland/Getty Pictures)
The Eagles had been linked to each receiver within the NFL Draft. On Thursday evening, the workforce took Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson and followers went loopy.
Philadelphia handed on Justin Jefferson with the 21st total choose within the first spherical. as he went to the Minnesota Vikings. There was an rising thought that the LSU playmaker may go to the Eagles. Earlier this month, NFL.com analyst Adam Rank put the 21-year-old in midnight inexperienced throughout his closing mock draft. In truth, Rank stated he might see Jefferson ending up as “the highest rookie receiver given the circumstances he can be strolling into right here.”
This was arguably essentially the most logical (and most anticipated) transfer for the Eagles, due to his versatility and skill to make contested catches look straightforward. They didn’t make it. Jefferson can slide proper in as a Day 1 starter for the Vikings on both the skin or within the slot.
Jefferson: Breaking Ankles Comes Naturally
Justin Jefferson simply does the whole lot properly. It sounds cliche, but it surely rings true. The 6-foot-1, 202-pounder hauled in 111 balls for 1,540 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns final season at LSU. He was tied for essentially the most receptions in school soccer and completed second in receiving touchdowns.
Extra importantly, Jefferson rose to the event when the sport was on the road as evidenced by his filthy ankle-breaking juke within the nationwide championship sport. He additionally introduced a ton of swagger onto the sector.
“We’re going to come back for his or her heads,” Jefferson stated previous to the nationwide championship sport, by way of USA In the present day. “I imply, we’re going to do what we have to do. We’re excited to go towards them and wish to come out with a win.”
Jefferson has been favorably in comparison with former NFL star Greg Jennings. He exceeded expectations on the NFL Scouting Mix after working the 40-yard sprint in 4.43 seconds. He has the potential to open up the playbook. Let’s check out a few of his best hits and highlights.
Jefferson ought to have been arrested for breaking and coming into on this one …
He has sneaky pace, particularly as soon as he positive factors a step on rival cornerbacks …
His 93.3-percent contested catch price was the very best in school soccer …
Jefferson is a machine within the slot and ran the vast majority of his routes there in 2019 …
Jefferson Performs with Wanted Chip on Shoulder
The speak on the NFL Scouting Mix had been centered round Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, plus Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb. These three guys had been thought-about to be the very best three wideouts within the draft.
However Justin Jefferson has been beating the chances for a very long time.
Jefferson’s brother, Jordan, performed quarterback at LSU with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. He used to show Justin route timber within the yard on breaks from college, per ESPN. His different brother, Rickey, starred at LSU as a defensive again. He’s received the pedigree.
Justin additionally has the {hardware}. Bear in mind, LSU gained the school nationwide championship final yr. Not Alabama. Not Oklahoma. The Bayou Tigers beat Clemson 42-25 in a sport the place Justin hauled in 9 balls for 106 yards.
If that’s not motivation sufficient for Jefferson, he performs with a certifiable chip on his shoulder. Why? He was omitted from the All-SEC squad. He was not a Biletnikoff Award finalist. And he outplayed each Jeudy and Lamb in head-to-head matchups. He’s a beast.