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Packers Draft Prospects: Justin Jefferson’s Strengths and Weaknesses

By Brian Sampson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Justin Jefferson could be a target for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are his strengths and weaknesses.

LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a monster season for LSU in 2019 and could be a prime target for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, as his strengths fit nicely with Green Bay’s weaknesses.

The first-round prospect hauled in a whopping 111 passes last season for 1540 yards and 18 touchdowns. Of course, he was part of a tremendous season at LSU that saw them break all sorts of offensive records and win the National Championship.

Jefferson isn’t as good on the outside, but is a demon in the slot. That should fit the Packers perfectly, as he would fit in nicely alongside Davante Adams and Devin Funchess or Allen Lazard. Let’s take a look at some of his strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

Hands: This dude can be a quarterback’s best friend, as he has great hands, can make contested catches and has a huge catch radius. He can win one-on-one battles from the slot more often than not, instilling confidence in his quarterback. He can also make mid-air adjustments look routine.

Slippery: Jefferson has some explosiveness to him, but certainly isn’t the fastest receiver in the draft. A better word to describe both his route running and ball-carrying ability is slippery. He seems to find a way to get separation from defenders and find big enough holes in the defense for the quarterback to find him.

Run Blocking: This may not be the most important trait in a wide receiver, but Jefferson is a willing run-blocker. The Packers’ wide receivers seemed proud of their run blocking ability last season and Jefferson would fit right in. He initiates contact on his blocks and doesn’t take his work lightly.

Weaknesses

Separation: Although he’s slippery in coverage, he has some work to do on his route-running. He sometimes gets lazy and depends too much on his natural athletic ability to create separation–something he won’t be able to do as much in the NFL. He has the makings of a good route-runner, but has some skills to refine.

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Press Coverage: Jefferson struggles against press coverage, especially against stronger cornerbacks. That will continue to be an issue in the NFL, as he has techniques to master when it comes to the use of his hands in getting out of jams.

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