Van Jefferson Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Florida
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 200 pounds
Van Jefferson 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Coming out of high school Van Jefferson was a 4-star prospect out of Tennessee who committed to Ole Miss. Jefferson would go on to redshirt his freshman season. Following this, Jefferson would play on the field for two seasons at Ole Miss. During his time there Jefferson posted 91 catches for 999 yards and 4 touchdowns in 22 games.
Following his sophomore season, Jefferson would transfer to another SEC school in Florida. Jefferson was able to play for the team that formerly recruited him out of high school right away in Florida without losing a year of eligibility. During his junior year and first season there, Jefferson recorded 35 catches, 503 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on the year. Jefferson’s senior season in college would prove to be his most impressive. He was able to finish the year with a career-high in receiving yards at 657. He also tied career highs in receptions and touchdowns.
Despite limited production in college, it seems that teams still have a keen interest in Jefferson’s skills. Van Jefferson was able to continue to show off his skill set during the senior bowl weekend. At the event, Jefferson played very well and had a few really impressive moments during practice drills. Despite often being forgotten about Jefferson had an excellent senior bowl performance.
Strengths
- Excellent hands, catches ball outside frame and brings it in smoothly;
- Offers good change of direction skills and quickness in route running;
- Tracks the ball well and makes really impressive adjustments to the ball;
- Ability to catch is amazing while working through contact;
- Really nice separation quickness in short areas;
- Good ability to play the slot;
- Football lQ;
Weaknesses
- Does Not have good long speed, could limit his ability to play outside;
- Frame is a little skinny could add some weight;
- Not a big downfield threat;
- Blocking is subpar;
- Didn’t have much production in college;
- Will turn 24 before the season starts
NFL Comparison: Tyler Boyd
Teams With Need at Position: Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins
Projection: 3rd round
Bottom Line on Van Jefferson
Despite modest college production, Jefferson showcases more than enough abilities to warrant a Day 2 draft pick. Jefferson shows really nice hands on tape at all times. Whether he’s draped in coverage or has all the space he needs, his catching technique is impressive. Jefferson also shows good quickness in short distances and the ability to change direction easily, thus helping his route running. This ability will translate well at the next level. Jefferson also showcases a really nice football IQ. He has a good ability to recognize zones and attacking the weak points. This is not much of a surprise, though, as Jefferson is a coach’s son. His father is a former NFL player and now current wide receivers coach for the New York Jets.
Overall, Jefferson is an NFL ready player that should be able to at least contribute to a team in year 1. Jefferson’s route running, quickness, hands, and ball tracking will all help him succeed at the next level right away. The biggest issue for Jefferson is the lack of a threat he is in the deeper portions of the field. Because of this, his ability to play as an outside receiver may be somewhat limited. Though he is still able to play on the outside, playing him there full-time is not recommended as his skill set projects to the slot better. Overall, Van Jefferson can contribute to a team right away and could become a serviceable starter by his 2nd or 3rd year.
Main photo:
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