Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
Size:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 240 pounds
Arm Length: 31 3/4"
Hand Size: 9 1/2"
Accomplishments:
Third Team All-American (2022) • First Team All-Big 12 (2022)
“Jaylan Ford uses his experience and instincts to be an effective second-level defender.”
Strengths:
Works toward line of scrimmage
Alignment-versatile
Instincts/IQ
Concerns:
Sideline-to-sideline speed
Acceleration to close to ball-carriers
Deconstruct blocks
Film Analysis:
Jaylan Ford is a four-year starter and has experience playing in more than 45 games for the Texas program. This experience shows in his high-IQ plays and instincts on the field when he makes positive plays for Texas.
As a run defender, Ford does a good job of taking his read snaps to diagnose the play. He is always working downhill to fill a gap in the defense. Ford does a good job of working toward the line of scrimmage and also can play over the top of blocks or play the backside of blocks on zone concepts. This allows Ford to make tackles at or near the line of scrimmage consistently. Ford is also a high-motor player, putting great effort into making tackles all over the field. This trait is responsible for a big part of his tackling production throughout his career.
As a defender in pass coverage, Ford appears to be the best in zone defense where he can use his instincts to make plays. Ford has back-to-back seasons with multiple interceptions. Ford understands route concept and can pass receivers off, look for the next receiver entering his zone, and find ways to make plays on the football.
Ford's concerns as a player center around his speed. Ford does a sufficient job against the run in the box, but on runs to the edges, he has a difficult time getting to the edges and stopping the run—running backs can beat him to turn the corner upfield. It also limits how much he can play, as Ford may have difficulties covering defenders in space in man-to-man.
Overall, Ford is an experienced, productive player who has value when asked to play a specific scheme and role.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Kansas (2023), Oklahoma (2023), Oklahoma State (2023)
