Texas Football 2018 Mock Draft: Where will the Longhorns land?
By Dina Colunga
Malik Jefferson. 3. 56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Texas. OLB. player
Round 3, No. 77 overall: After being a top high school recruit Malik Jefferson came to Texas and started nine games as a true freshman in 2015, earning himself Big 12 honors.
In 2017 he lead the Longhorns in tackles 110 tackles and was part of the first team all conference honors. The 6-3, 236-pound linebacker had a impressive combine with the following recordings:
40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds
Bench Press: 27 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.0 inches
Broad Jump: 125.0 inches
The Bengals are just one of the teams interested in Jefferson, and worked him out during his pro day. While some of Jefferson’s struggles include lack of instinct and technique he has a high coachable ceiling that coaches are intrigued by as well as excellent athletic ability.
Jefferson is projected to go between rounds 3-4 and the Bengals are high up enough in round three to be able to get a steal in this linebacker class.
Given the fact that one of Cincinnati’s current roster linebackers Vontaze Burfict has trouble staying eligible for games (he was suspended in 2017 & 2016), Jefferson gives the Bengals a solid option behind the inconsistent Burfict.