The pick is in: Jaguars select LSU DT Jordan Jefferson at 116th overall

The Jaguars’ fifth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft is defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson. Here’s everything you need to know.

With the 116th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Jordan Jefferson, defensive tackle, LSU.

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Background

• Name: Jordan Jefferson
• Consensus ranking: 201st (DT17)
• Year: Fifth-year senior
• Age: Turns 23 on September 24th
• Hometown: Navarre, Fla.
• High school: Navarre
• Recruiting: 3 stars
• Instagram: @jordanjefferson95
• Twitter: @_JJefferson_95
• Accolades: Honorable Mention All-Big 12; Led team in TFL (2022)

Consensus rankings via NFL Mock Draft Database; recruiting info via 247 Sports

Stats

Measurables

Analysis

Scouting report from Nick Eason of Bleacher Report:

Jordan Jefferson can be a solid two-down defensive tackle. He has an impressive get-off and power at the point of attack to help gain control of the block, making him hard to move one-on-one. Against double-teams and combo blocks, he lacks some rotational strength to avoid getting his shoulders turned and getting scooped, but he’s still hard to knock off the spot.

Player summary from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Overall, Jefferson needs to develop his technical efficiency to be more disruptive, but his burst off the ball and upper-body strength can give him an early advantage into battle. He projects as a rotational lineman on the interior who still has some upside left.

Prospect overview from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Jefferson has a proportional frame with good upper-body thickness. His game against Alabama was discouraging, as he was often overwhelmed at the point of attack by the size and power of the Crimson Tide. However, it is hard to ignore his first-step quickness and ability to shoot into the backfield as a run-play disruptor. Teams will need to invest the time to get him stronger and to improve his take-on technique. He might be worth a draft and stash for one-gapping teams willing to put developmental work into him.

Last word from Chris Congemo of Sports Info Solutions:

Jordan Jefferson projects as a top backup nose tackle who has the traits to play in either an even or odd-front scheme. He carries his weight well and has good length that he uses to his advantage. He has an explosive first step off the snap, and can quickly cause disruption. He shows flashes of violence in his hands, knocking back blockers on first contact and controlling the POA. His motor and lateral agility stand out as he can flow with the blocking scheme to make plays at the LOS. His play strength is sufficient, but he can get uprooted against double teams when off balance. His biggest area of improvement is being able to add value as a pass rusher. While he can collapse the pocket with his strength, he needs to add more counters to put pressure on the QB and be a true three-down contributor.

Bottom line from Trevor Sikkema of PFF:

Jefferson has the power of an NFL defensive lineman. He needs to speed up how quickly he gets into the backfield in order to really gain a rotational role in the pros.

Jaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!