2014 NFL Draft Profile: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE Texas
By Adam Carlson
Aug 31, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (44) reacts against the New Mexico State Aggies during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat New Mexico State 56-7. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not difficult to look at University of Texas defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat and confuse him for an offensive lineman. He has a massive upper body and huge arms.
Jackson Jeffcoat also has the physical size that is idealistic for a defensive end. He stands 6’3″ tall and weighs in at 247 pounds. He missed time in 2010 with a severely sprained ankle and then again in 2012 after a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him. Despite those injuries, Jeffcoat has shown himself to be a consistent force in disrupting backfields during his time at Texas.
His father was a defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills in a career that spanned from 1983 to 1997. Currently, his father acts as the defensive line coach for Colorado. Not only does Jackson Jeffcoat have great coaching at his schools, but he also got it at home.
Here are his statistics over 4 years at Texas:
- 38 games played
- 95 solo tackles
- 174 total tackles
- 49.5 tackles for a loss
- 26 sacks
- 9 passes defended
- 1 interception
- 4 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery touchdown
Strengths
Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat speaks at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Excellent use of hands
Strong body with sturdy frame
Solid tackler
HUGE motor
Weaknesses
- Wide body gives blockers an easier target
- Can struggle against blocks in the run game
- Needs to work on getting a lower point of attack
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota could look to add another rotational defensive end to their stable.
My Take
The lowest I’d ever expect to see Jackson Jeffcoat drop in the draft is the beginning of the third round. At that point, there are more pressing needs and other talents that the Vikings should consider with their picks.