Justin Jefferson among WR prospects who met with Eagles: 3 Reactions

3. Naturally, there are a few traits he needs to develop.

Widely seen as a top-ten option in the 2020 draft class among wide receivers, Jefferson’s weaknesses are fairly limited but are still important factors to be considered in comparing him to other options that may be available when it’s the Eagles turn to make a selection.

Jefferson doesn’t possess the speed of some of his peers. He’s quicker than fast and utilizes small bursts at the right time. Used predominantly as a slot receiver throughout his collegiate career, questions remain about whether or not he has breakaway speed at the pro level.

Another concern for Jefferson, especially if he is to be used as an outside receiver, is his strength. At 202 pounds and as one of the thinner receivers in this class, Jefferson could have issues with fighting for those 50-50 balls against sturdier cornerbacks. It makes one wonder if he can gain the separation he needs at the line-of-scrimmage or if he’d be an effective blocker.

If taken by the Eagles, his success will come down to the coaching of Doug Pederson and his position coach, Aaron Moorehead. Jefferson is a young talent with potential, but it will be partially up to the coaching staff to use him to his strengths while making sure he is developing on his weaknesses to move him up on the depth chart. This could backfire considered the weaknesses the Eagles have shown with developing and utilizing young receivers.

All of that could hinder Jefferson from entering the NFL as a first option, but there is nothing that states he can’t fit in and grow in any NFL team’s system.