NFL Draft Profile: Michael Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
Michael Jefferson
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
#8
Pos: WR
Ht: 6036
Wt: 199
Hand: 0958
Arm: 3248
Wing: 7938
40: 4.56
DOB: 12/21/1999
Hometown: Mobile, AL
High School: Murphy
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Jefferson is a highly experienced wide receiver with ideal size, ball skills, and route running, but he lacks the high-end physical traits to warrant a top-100 selection.
Evaluation:
Jefferson has special teams experience on the kick return, punt return, and punt coverage units, which is where he’ll likely begin his NFL career. He brings excellent size and arm length to the table. Jefferson has some experience lining up in the slot, but he primarily deploys out wide. The Alabama native presents challenges for smaller defensive backs at the catch point. He tracks the ball well and makes proper adjustments to catch poorly placed throws. Jefferson isn’t a true burner, but he displays the speed to stack corners. Defensive backs are often caught off guard by his acceleration. Jefferson also creates separation with his crisp route running and clean cuts. The All-Sun Belt selection has a strong understanding of spacing and holes in zone coverage. He wins against press coverage with varied release and route speeds. Jefferson uses his hands to combat press coverage, and his fluid upper body slips off punches from press corners. While he’s a willing blocker, Jefferson needs to improve his block strength and use of leverage. He doesn’t block with a firm base and has a lean lower half. Jefferson is an older prospect who still suffers from occasional drops and body catches. Despite his size, the fifth-year college veteran doesn’t dominate in contested catch situations. His large frame and high pad level make him a target in press, and early contact bumps him off his route. Jefferson displays limited ability to generate separation and doesn’t maximize his catch radius. He isn’t elusive, sudden, or twitchy with the ball in his hands and struggles to break tackles. Jefferson needs to diversify his release package to combat faster, stronger corners in the NFL. He won a lot downfield in college against lesser competition, but the Alabama State transfer doesn’t have the speed to threaten defensive backs in off-coverage and could struggle to generate vertical separation against NFL defenders.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
Jefferson was a wide receiver recruit from Murphy High School in Mobile, Ala., in the class of 2018. He didn’t receive a star ranking from ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals, or On3.com. As a high school senior, Jefferson amassed 35 receptions for 628 yards and ten touchdowns. He finished his high school career with 52 receptions for 968 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Jefferson committed to Alabama State over offers from Alcorn State and Jackson State. He transferred to Louisiana ahead of the 2021 season. Jefferson was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention in 2021 and earned Third-Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2022.
