Temple linebacker Jordan Magee is among the most athletic linebacker prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Magee finished tied for first in the 10-yard split (1.54), third in the broad jump (10-foot-4), fourth in the vertical (35.50 inches), and fifth in the 40 (4.55) at his position. It’s safe to say NFL scouts were impressed with Magee’s performance.
Magee recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his standout showing at the NFL Combine, his favorite aspects of playing the linebacker position, which teams are showing interest in his services, and so much more.
JM: What a showing you put forth at the NFL Combine. You finished tied for first among your position in the 10-yard split (1.54), third in the broad jump (10-foot-4), fourth in the vertical (35.50 inches), and fifth in the 40 (4.55). How would you grade your overall performance?
Jordan Magee: I would grade my overall performance as a “B.” I wanted to run faster even though a 4.55 was still a great time for me. I also know I could jump a higher vertical, like an inch, maybe an inch and a half to get me to 37 inches.
My broad jump was a PR [personal record] so I was satisfied with that. I’m also going to run a good shuttle time at my Pro Day (3/25).
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you’re receiving since the NFL Combine?
Jordan Magee: Yeah, I most definitely am. Before the NFL Combine, some teams told me they had me going around the sixth or seventh round, or maybe an undrafted free agent. That was the word around town.
I’m hearing different things now. I’m hearing early day three, maybe the fourth round. Some teams even told me I could sneak into the late day two range. There’s definitely way more buzz around my name after my performance at the NFL Combine.
JM: You’re extremely instinctive and rangy on tape. How did you develop that aspect of your game?
Jordan Magee: I have a lot of natural athletic ability. My dad was a track star in high school. My mom also played sports, she ran track and played basketball. I inherited my athletic abilities from them.
I play with great twitch. I’m able to go out there and use those athletic abilities to my advantage.
JM: You totaled 235 tackles at Temple, 31 for a loss, and 8.0 sacks. What is it about your game that allows you to always be around the ball and in the backfield?
Jordan Magee: I play with great instincts. I love running to the ball. I’m always swarming to the ball. That’s just the type of player I am, the type of attitude I play with. Good things happen when you run to the ball. I feel like when you watch my tape, I’m always making plays around the ball.
JM: You really are. Talk to me about playing man and zone coverage. You also had 11 pass breakups at Temple. Today’s linebacker has to defend the pass.
Jordan Magee: We have to. The game we’re playing in today, NFL teams are throwing the ball more than ever before. You have to defend against quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson that can extend plays with their legs.
We need to be able to cover for longer periods of time, or we have to stop those quarterbacks before they extend the pocket. Linebackers have to be prepared for all scenarios nowadays.
JM: Did you have any formal interviews at the combine? Do you have any Top 30 visits coming up?
Jordan Magee: I do. Pro Day is on March 25. I already had a Top 30 visit with the Denver Broncos. I flew in and out the same day. I had a great time with their general manager George Paton. It was a little hectic because they were also dealing with free agency.
I have another visit lined with the Dallas Cowboys coming up. I’m going to be there for a day or two. They interviewed me formally at the NFL Combine as well. I have a lot of meetings with inside linebacker coaches. I just met with the Ravens coach.
I’m working out for the New Orleans Saints. Their linebackers coach is coming to Temple. We’re going to watch film and go to dinner together as well. I have a local day with the Philadelphia Eagles coming up as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. Your pre-draft stock has soared lately. I’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Jordan Magee going to make at the next level?
Jordan Magee: I’m going to be a leader from day one. I’m going to come in and be consistent every single day. I can play special teams, or I can start at linebacker on the defense. I’m going to be the same guy every day. I have a consistent approach.
I’m going to bring that Temple mentality to whichever team drafts me.
