~ JUSTIN JEFFERSON (#2) ~

Jefferson is a smooth, shifty WR that excels after the catch! He lived in the middle of the field, and was a reliable target for Burrow in 2019!

Let's dive into some film & evaluate what makes Jefferson a stud in this deep WR class!

[THREAD] (1/17)

~ Improvisational Deception ~

Love this play by Jefferson.

One on one vs a DB - no problem. His ability to slow down, fake one direction, and accelerate is impressive.

He makes this look way too easy as he blows by Xavier McKinney to gain 15+ yards.

(2/17)

~ Improvisational Deception ~

Jefferson lives in the middle of the field, and his ability to gain yards after the catch is one of his strengths.

Here he uses a quick "jab step" to bait both defenders. They bite; and he takes advantage for an additional 4 yards.

(3/17)

~ Variation of Speed ~

Once again we see Jefferson's ability to stop on a dime and accelerate. An ankle breaking move to take the play for an additional 8 yards.

His ability to take short passes for big gains will make him a valuable asset for any QB in the NFL.

(4/17)

~ Variation of Speed ~

It's crucial for any NFL athlete to know when to effectively speed up & slow down.

Notice that Jefferson takes this tap pass and *patiently* weaves his way around the blocking and defenders for a first down.

(5/17)

~ Variation of Speed ~

Once again, Jefferson lives in the middle of the field.

Here he slows down just enough to bait #11 before breaking towards the middle, where he utilizes his speed for a big gain.

(6/17)

~ Burst at LOS ~

In the games I've watched, I've noticed JJ does an excellent job of gaining separation at the LOS.

This play resulted in a sack, but JJ is clearly open down the middle after shaking the defender at the LOS. If Burrow finds him - touchdown.

(7/17)

~ Burst at LOS ~

Below is another great release at the line by Jefferson.

He runs a solid route to get open, keeps his eye on the ball and adjusts for the catch --> touchdown.

(8/17)

~ Burst at LOS ~

A simple slant route executed extremely well by Jefferson.

He gains leverage with a quick move at the LOS. Burrow finds him for the easy first down!

(9/17)

~ Situational Understanding ~

JJ was one of the most reliable receivers in 2019. He caught 91% of his targets while leading the nation w/ 111 receptions.

2nd & long. 4th quarter. Must catch situation. Jefferson concentrates to make a tough catch as he's falling down!

(10/17)

~ Situational Understanding ~

Love this play by Jefferson.

He sees Burrow scrambling left. He briefly fakes a block to gain slight separation as he rolls towards the sideline for the 1st down.

His new QB will love his ability to improvise when the play breaks down!

(11/17)

~ Blocking ~

Jefferson's ability to block in the run game surprised me the most. He has great size for a slot WR, which helps tremendously.

We know CEH can break tackles. But by executing the block below, JJ makes it that much easier to gain the first down.

(12/17)

~ Blocking ~

His ability to block will serve him well at the next level and will enable him to stay on the field.

Short yardage play. The line as whole does a great job of blocking. Jefferson (#2) effectively moves his hands/feet preventing the DB from making a play.

(13/17)

~ Blocking ~

Find Jefferson (#2) as the second WR from the top.

Per usual, CEH breaks the first tackle.

But Jefferson does an outstanding job of moving his feet & driving the DB towards the sideline to allow CEH to get that much closer to the first down.

(14/17)

~ Size & Athleticism ~

Because of his exceptional size as a Slot WR, Jefferson also has the ability to make athletic catches.

Below we see him track the ball and adjust to high point the catch for an impressive touchdown.

(15/17)

~ Size & Athleticism ~

Jefferson's toughness is on full display below!

Takes the reception down the middle, while using his size to gain those yards after contact. And to cap it off, just a smart play to extend for that touchdown while being held back by the DB.

(16/17)

~ Conclusion ~

Jefferson's blend of athleticism, route running & toughness makes him one of my favorite WRs going into the draft!

Player Comp: Adam Thielen/Tyler Boyd

Favorite Landing Spots:

- Eagles (Pick 21)
- Packers (Pick 30)

Hope you enjoyed this thread!

[THREAD 17/17]