KJ Jefferson, QB, UCF
Size:
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 245 lbs
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“KJ Jefferson is a big-bodied dual-threat quarterback who can utilize his legs to be a valuable part of the power run game while also delivering accurate passes with his arm.”
Strengths:
Dual-threat QB
Playing experience
Good arm strength
Concerns:
Inconsistent accuracy
Decision-making under pressure
Injury concerns
Film Analysis:
KJ Jefferson is a sixth-year quarterback who spent his first five years at the University of Arkansas. At Arkansas, Jefferson showcased high-level play in the SEC with his two best years being the 2021 season and the 2022 season. Jefferson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, is a dual-threat quarterback who has a big arm to push the ball vertically down the field. Plus, due to his big frame, he profiles as a power runner at the quarterback position. Jefferson’s high athletic traits set the foundation for him to have an opportunity to be a productive quarterback in the NFL.
As a passer starting pre-snap, Jefferson appears to have good overall IQ, able to ID defensive coverages pre-snap. Jefferson utilizes his pre-snap knowledge and combines it with the offense’s play to determine where he has to go with the football, tying pre-snap to post-snap. When Jefferson is correct, he shows to be a good quick processor and can get through his initial reads, find the open wide receiver, and get the football to them.
When it comes to implementing modern-day passing game concepts. Jefferson appears extremely comfortable. Running RPO action, showing the ball fake, pulling, and then getting the ball out to the wide receivers. Outside of RPO structure, Jefferson has the arm, talent, and strength to deliver passes to all three levels of the field. Jefferson can also stretch the field horizontally by working not only vertical routes but also crossing routes that utilize the middle of the field, stretching defenses both vertically and horizontally.
While Jefferson can win games on his passing ability alone, one of his plus traits is his overall athletic ability and physical profile. Jefferson invokes his athleticism in many facets of his game. The first would be his ability to throw on the run. Jefferson can be utilized on rollouts and sprintouts and can deliver accurate passes while moving toward the sideline on the run. Jefferson can also escape the pocket when there is pressure, keeping his eyes downfield, and deliver accurate passes to wide receivers. He has a natural ability to escape the pocket while being athletic enough to scramble and make plays. Jefferson’s strong frame makes it difficult for defenders to sack him. While they may get a hand on him and make contact with him, he has enough strength to shrug defenders to prevent the sack, escape the pocket, and make a play, picking up yards with his legs or throwing the football
Jefferson's improvements as a quarterback center around his inconsistencies when it comes to accuracy. Jefferson can ID open receivers running their route, but there are times when he delivers the football behind the receivers or too high, forcing them to make a difficult catch or breaking their momentum to where they cannot catch the ball and continue to pick up yards. The inconsistencies with his accuracy appear to be a mechanical issue that is fixable.
Overall, Jefferson has all of the physical traits and tools NFL teams seek. With improvement in his overall accuracy, Jefferson has the opportunity to become a good starting quarterback in the NFL.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
