Bengals select speedy linebacker Malik Jefferson

The Cincinnati Bengals have selected linebacker Malik Jefferson out of Texas in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 78th overall.

Jefferson sports blazing speed for a linebacker and does a good job of shedding blocks while trying to attack the ball carrier. A productive linebacker in college, Jefferson will likely find a spot in the Bengals' rotation early.

Malik Jefferson Bio

Position: LB
School: Texas
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 236 lbs

Strengths

• Excellent athleticism and play strength for his position.
• Dangerous A-gap blitzer; has the closing speed and pursuit to attack opposing quarterbacks.
• Has shown the ability to shadow both tight ends and running backs in man-coverage.
• Rarely gets beaten at the point of attack, which helps his ability to disengage off incoming blocks.
• Had a productive collegiate career, recording an impressive number of sacks and tackles-for-loss.
• Much better when Texas position him to think less and play with minimal diagnosing.

Weaknesses

• Excellent speed numbers in testing, but does not play as fast during games.
• Appears lost in zone coverage and is yet to acquire the ability to properly read a quarterback's eyes.
• Not the best defender in space; had some missed tackles and was not aggressive.
• Does not always choose the best path to the ball in run defense.
• Plays best with everything in front of him.

Athletic testing