NFL Draft Profile: Jalen Graham, Linebacker, Purdue Boilermakers
Jalen Graham
Purdue Boilermakers
#6
Pos: LB
Ht: 6016
Wt: 220
Hand: 0978
Arm: 3300
Wing: 7868
40: 4.64
DOB: 1/11/2001
Hometown: Detroit, MI
High School: Cass Tech
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Jalen Graham, an undersized LB, projects to be a STAR at the next level who is effective running downhill in the run game as well as playing short to medium areas in zone and covering running backs and tight ends in man
Evaluation:
Jalen Graham is an undersized linebacker and not athletic enough to play safety which makes him a good candidate to play the STAR position at the next level - similar to what he played at Purdue. No matter where he is lined up, Graham is a cerebral player who shows good awareness, instincts and play recognition to know where he is supposed to be and put himself in position to make a play. Graham is a physical tackler who, at times, will tackle with his shoulder instead of wrapping up and driving the ball carrier to the ground. In addition, he is consistently a high tackler which does not allow him to stonewall carriers, giving them a chance to gain an extra yard or two after contact. Against the run, Graham struggles to shed blocks due to inferior arm length and overall strength - tight ends are able to remove him as an edge setter. When attempting to set the edge, he has inconsistent hand placement by punching anywhere on the torso and shoulders instead of on the chest. Against the pass, Graham is capable of covering running backs and tight ends in zone as well as short to medium areas in zone. He is comfortable in zone coverage in space either close to the line or 15 yards downfield. When backpedaling, Graham is confident to get enough depth in his drop, but from time to time, will show his moderately stiff hips when flipping from side to side. When in pursuit, Graham will consistently take the long path to pursue the ball carrier instead of sifting through traffic. He is an effective sideline-to-sideline runner by shuffling his feet, changing direction, and running down the ball carrier or receiver. Graham plays hard on every play and regularly does not quit until the whistle is blown. He can play with too much excitement as he can run downhill and over pursue when he sees an opportunity to make a big play. Graham proved his toughness coming back after a leg injury this season after being out for over a month after opening weekend against Penn State. If Graham can get stronger and add more size to his frame then he can become an effective depth player at the next level. He should make an immediate impact on special teams.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
Originally from Detroit, Michigan. Attended Cass Tech High School and was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. He layed at Purdue University. As a freshman, he played in eleven games, totaling thirty seven tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. During the shortened 2020 season, he played in five games, totaling sixteen tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. As a junior, he started in all thirteen games, totaling sixty four tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. During his senior season, he played in nine games, totaling fifty two tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
