Jabril Cox NFL Draft Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 232 lbs.
School: LSU
Jabril Cox 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Jabril Cox is a versatile inside linebacker who has excelled at both levels in college football. And the next logical step for him is the NFL. If you have tracked his progression in the sport, then it will not come as a major surprise if Cox is a starter on opening weekend.
Cox was an outstanding high school football player who played multiple positions throughout his career at Raytown South High School, which is located outside of Kansas City, Missouri. He was a two-way star as Cox played quarterback and wide receiver on offense and linebacker and safety on defense. His versatility was key to his team’s success. Unfortunately, Cox’s college recruiting was derailed after he suffered a torn ACL in his senior season. Not many calls came his way as Nebraska was the lone FBS school to show any interest in him. In the end, Cox decided to attend North Dakota State to continue his football career.
Cox was redshirted in his freshman season, but he developed into an outstanding performer the following year. As an inside linebacker, Cox recorded 75 tackles (13 tackles for loss), 4.5 sacks and one interception. This earned him Freshman of the Year and second-team All Missouri Valley Conference honors. Cox followed this campaign with two consecutive dominant seasons. For his career at North Dakota State, Cox recorded 258 tackles (32 tackles for loss), 14 sacks and six interceptions. Plus, he was named to first-team All Missouri Valley Conference twice, selected the conference’s defensive player of the year in 2018 and a three-time FCS National Champion.
Still, Cox wanted more and challenged himself to play a season in the FBS. The move would enhance his draft status. So after graduating from North Dakota State, Cox elected to play a season in the FBS as a grad transfer. Both Alabama and LSU pursued him before Cox chose to play for the Tigers. His skill level seemed to be a natural fit for the style of play found in the SEC. This was Cox’s lone chance to show his worth as a defender and he did not disappoint. In 10 games, Cox had 58 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss) and three interceptions for the Tigers.
Strengths
- Very focus, goal-orientated athlete
- Expects to be a three-down defender
- Covers all running lanes from inside linebacker position
- Outstanding downfield pursuit skills
- Sneaky good blitz rusher
- Can stay with receivers in pass coverage
Weaknesses
- Trouble shedding blockers
- Size questionable for inside linebacker position
- Can be overly aggressive on running plays
- Inconsistent reads
- Plays more upright than desired
NFL Comparison: Dont’a Hightower
Teams With Need at Position: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos
Projection: Second or Third Round
Bottom Line on Jabril Cox
Speed and quickness will be Cox’s calling card in the NFL. He is an active inside linebacker who instinctively moves to plug holes along the line of scrimmage. Yet, athletic enough to pass defend in man coverage deep downfield. This will be a welcome sight for any NFL team’s defensive secondary as Cox gets depth on his zone drop-off pass coverage as well.
However, Cox is not a finished product by any means. First, he will have to add more muscle and strength to his slender frame. Plus, Cox will have to refine his skills, but hard work does not stop him in his tracks. Cox’s work ethic has defined him throughout his football career.
No question, if Cox gets selected by a team that has the right coaching staff and defensive system, he will become a star in the NFL. Too much upside to fail.
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