The Arkansas Razorbacks have a tandem of terrors in the backfield. KJ Jefferson, their fifth-year senior quarterback, is large and in charge. But what does the massive passer’s NFL Draft projection look like, and how positive does Jefferson’s scouting report read?
KJ Jefferson Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 247
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Arkansas
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
If there was a “first off the bus” contest among the 2024 NFL Draft crop of quarterbacks, Jefferson would snatch the crown like Deebo did Red’s bike. He’d absolutely dwarf most other young men in the backfield — if it wasn’t for his running back, Raheim Sanders, also being a hilarious 230+ pounds.
Jefferson was a consensus four-star recruit from Mississippi, but only Rivals (247) and On3 (295) had him nationally ranked.
MORE: Arkansas Razorbacks Preview — Roster, Prospects, Schedule, and More
After starting one game in each of his first two collegiate seasons, Jefferson secured the starting job as a redshirt sophomore and hasn’t slowed down since. He led the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record while throwing for 2,676 yards, 21 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also led the team in rushing attempts and rushing yards in 2021.
Jefferson’s passing and rushing numbers were each nearly identical in 2022. However, he did so by playing in two fewer contests while battling shoulder and clavicle injuries that sidelined him for a pair of games.
KJ Jefferson Scouting Report
Strengths
- Impressive thrower
- Flashes great touch to layer passes
- Shows consistent downfield placement when in rhythm
- Sturdy frame that punishes defenders as a runner
- Surprisingly nimble/fluid for his size
- Careful decision-maker
- Strong RPO operation
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent lower body mechanics lead to accuracy issues
- Bouncey and on toes in dropback leads to timing and sequencing issues
- Skittish decisiveness in dropback passing game
- Inconsistent internal clock
- Must sharpen pre- and post-snap operation
- Mechanical, robotic throwing motion in short areas
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Jefferson’s NFL Draft projection will be scattered like trash in tornado alley. He’s big, athletic, and toolsy as a passer. But he’s more passer than he is quarterback because of his underwhelming decisiveness in the dropback passing game.
And while Jefferson is a legitimate threat on the ground, the mechanical nature of his throwing motion does not lend itself to consistently creating on the hoof as a passer. He doesn’t necessarily need to win from the pocket because he can run, but he won’t wow with off-platform heroics, either.
The reality is he’s a four-star, 6’3″, 250-pound, dual-threat SEC QB who will be a fifth-year senior. He’s an incredibly fun college player. However, unless he makes significant strides on the mental side of playing the position, Jefferson will end up being lucky to hear his name called on Day 3.
