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Eagles: 5 Possible targets at linebacker in 2018’s draft

By Geoffrey Knox

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; ATexas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; ATexas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats fullback Winston Dimel (38) is tackled by Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats fullback Winston Dimel (38) is tackled by Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Malik Jefferson, outside linebacker, Texas Longhorns

Depending on what kind of senior season Malik Jefferson has, he could enter the draft with anything from first-round to third-round grades. He’s separated himself from the majority of the linebackers in the country. Still, those that are hoping to get a total picture of who he is from numbers alone may miss out. With so many offensive coordinators focusing on neutralizing him a season ago, his other teammates were given some opportunities. Even still, his impact can be felt each time he’s on the field of play. Eagles fans take notice.

As a true freshman, Jefferson was named a Freshman All-American by both Sporting News and USA Today. The 2016 season saw him notch 59 tackles and 5.5 sacks. In a system like Philly’s, where defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz rarely sends any of his linebackers on a blitz, Jefferson could thrive with his combination of size and speed. He can cause issues in the running game. His three passes broken up from a season ago illustrate that he can also get into throwing lanes and make like difficult for NFL signal callers.

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