Jefferson's versatility will make him very attractive to NFL teams, especially ones that like to employ safeties as linebackers in "big nickel" looks. He is very good against the run and excels in zone coverage. He isn't great in man, but holds his own in the inside.
Jefferson is in on a lot of splash plays, totaling eight sacks and eight interceptions over the last two plus years. Teams looking for safety help late on day or early on day two of the 2013 NFL Draft will like what they see with Jefferson.
Oklahoma vs Iowa State
-Playing single-high, breaks on the ball early.
-Playing up to 25 yards off the ball at times.
-Covering deep half, manned up on slot, in the box
– very versatile.
-Walks into the box, doubles slot receiver while spying QB
.-Misses tackle in space, couldn't change direction at full speed.
Oklahoma vs Notre Dame
-Being used primarily to take away Eifert over the top, might be the best FS in the country, consistently tight in coverage
-Very good range, can play a multitude of different coverages and also come down into box to make tackles
#1 SAF Tony Jefferson*-Lining up as strong safety.
-Accelerates quickly and sticks with slot receiver on in route.
-Breaks down in space and makes solid tackle on running back for no gain.
-Playing single-high, breaks on the ball early.
-Playing up to 25 yards off the ball at times.
-Covering deep half, manned up on slot, in the box
– very versatile.
-Walks into the box, doubles slot receiver while spying QB.
-Misses tackle in space, couldn't change direction at full speed.
-Reads QB draw, fills and makes the tackle.
-Good angle to the ball, but needs to stay on his feet and wrap up rather than dive.
-Closes on underneath route with great speed and makes violent tackle.
-Fills from deep safety position, breaks down in space and wraps up.
-Big hit, knocks ball out of receiver's hands
– closed quickly with perfect angle.
-Changes from pedal to drive to pedal effortlessly
– pretty to watch.
-Monster hit on receiver, causes him to bobble and ultimately drop the ball.
-Read QB draw before the ball was even snapped.
-Seals the game with an easy interception.
Jefferson talked to me after the game about how he prefers to play in the box, but he showed the ability to cover a deep half and play a single high safety today as well. His change of direction ability, hard hits and good angles to the ball bode well for his NFL future.
[ Edited by BermudaTriangle49er on Mar 17, 2013 at 6:06 PM ]