The 2023 NFL Draft wrapped up months ago, but one notable prospect, Michael Jefferson, has yet to find a professional home. Jefferson, A Louisiana senior, declared for the draft and likely would have heard his name called at some point during the event were it not for a horrific car crash. However, months later, Jefferson is now healthy and ready to join a team, although he will not play in 2023. While he may not be a Ja’Marr Chase type of prospect, he deserves a shot in the NFL and could be a steal as an undrafted free agent.
#Louisiana WR Michael Jefferson, whose draft dreams were ruined after he was injured in a tragic car crash in April, is now able to fly, take physicals and join a team. The 6-4 pass-catcher likely would’ve been a mid-round selection and now aims to write a true comeback story. pic.twitter.com/BqOXpr4bel
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2023
5 Teams That Could Sign Undrafted Free Agent Michael Jefferson
Michael Jefferson The Player
Rapoport mentions in the Tweet above that Michael Jefferson could have been a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft were it not for the car crash. While it is possible that a team could have fallen in love with him, his prospect description fit that of a late-round kind of guy. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlien gave him a seventh-round grade, and his film and advanced stats are nothing special.
Jefferson is coming off the best year of his career with Louisiana. Appearing in 12 games, the wideout finished the year with 51 receptions for 810 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team in each category.
What makes Michael Jefferson worthy of a shot in the NFL is his impressive build. At 6′-4″ and 199 pounds, Jefferson is taller than just about every cornerback he’ll face, and he knows how to take advantage of his size, as evidenced by his 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons with Louisiana. On top of that, Jefferson is a solid route runner and put up some respectable athletic testing numbers.
Will Michael Jefferson ever turn into Randy Moss? No. However, he has the potential to develop into a solid third option in the receiving game, and that’s well worth the price of an undrafted free agent. Every team should have at least a passing interest in Jefferson, even if he won’t play until 2024, but these five teams make the most sense as potential fits.
Illinois QB Tommy DeVito TD pass to Louisiana WR Michael Jefferson pic.twitter.com/fEJgTj0hmF
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) January 30, 2023
Possible Fits
The Carolina Panthers have no wide receivers and a limited supply of draft picks thanks to their trade with the Chicago Bears. This team needs to get Bryce Young some help, and Michael Jefferson might just be the man for the job. D.J. Chark is only on a one-year deal, age could catch up to Adam Thielen at any moment, and Terrace Marshall and Jonathan Mingo have yet to prove they can hold their own against NFL competition.
The Panthers might be the most desperate, but the Kansas City Chiefs might make the most sense for both sides. Everyone in the world would love to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs desperately need talent at wide receiver. The Buffalo Bills are in a similar boat, as Stefon Diggs isn’t getting any younger and there is no proven second option on the roster.
Staying in the great state of New York, the Giants could easily use another receiving threat or two. While Darren Waller will provide a reliable target, he is on the older side and doesn’t have the healthiest track record. Last, but certainly not least, is the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have a star in Chris Olave but lack a proven option behind him. Michael Thomas can’t stay healthy, while Juwan Johnson and Rashid Shaheed have yet to put it together for a full season.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
