Jaguars rookie projections: DL Jordan Jefferson
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) drills against defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) during the second day of a mandatory minicamp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Jaguars exited the 2024 NFL draft with nine new contributors, bolstering their roster with potential after signing eight free agents between March and April in their offseason-long effort to reclaim postseason status this year.
How impactful might Jacksonville’s rookie class be as the team chases a playoff spot?
Jaguars Wire is projecting roles and rookie production for each of Jacksonville’s 2024 draft picks, continuing the series by focusing on the Jaguars’ fourth-round, No. 116 overall selection, defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson.
Jordan Jefferson's projected role with the Jaguars
Jefferson is one of two LSU defensive linemen and three Tigers prospects Jacksonville drafted this year, following first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and second-round defensive lineman Maason Smith.
Jefferson profiles as a nose tackle in the Jaguars’ defensive scheme, per general manager Trent Baalke, whereas Smith is viewed as a positionally versatile prospect who could move around the front.
“Power. He’s a guy that consistently had great knockback at the point of attack, uses his hands extremely well, dominates his area at the point," Baalke described Jefferson in April.
"That’s another one that the coaching staff went out and worked out along with Maason, they were at the same workout. They spent a lot of time with him, really liked the makeup of the young man. He started at West Virginia, then transferred to LSU. A lot to like and see a big upside in that player.”
Like Smith, however, the Jaguars won’t necessarily rush Jefferson into a significant role despite the upside they see in his game.
Now recovered from a non-football injury that derailed his 2023 season, DaVon Hamilton — who Jacksonville signed to a three-year, $34 million contract extension a year ago — returns as the Jaguars' starting nose tackle.
Hamilton should primarily fill the one-player-at-a-time position throughout the campaign, with Jefferson rotating in as he gains comfort within the scheme.
Hamilton offers pass-rushing upside from the spot with 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits in his career, which could lead Jefferson to handle some of the early-down work against the run while keeping the veteran fresh for passing downs.
Of course, Jefferson will likely contribute to Jacksonville's special teams units as a rookie, specifically in the middle of the field goal block and punt block teams.
Jordan Jefferson's projected rookie stats
- 15 tackles
- 1.5 tackles for loss
15 tackles would have ranked tied for No. 13 among rookie interior defensive linemen in 2023. 1.5 tackles for loss would have ranked No. 10.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars rookie projections: DL Jordan Jefferson