NFL Draft 2018: Updated ranking of the top 32 draft prospects entering Week 12
Malik Jefferson
OLB, Texas
The Texas Longhorns finally got their revenge on the Kansas Jayhawks. A year after one of the most embarrassing losses in program history, they turned things around with a win at home over them this year.
Now, the Longhorns have five wins on the season and are just one win away from being able to become bowl eligible once more. A big part of their success has come from a renewed defensive effort led by Malik Jefferson.
The outside linebacker has proven to be more than just a pass rusher as well. He’s been consistent in all areas, including his tackling. Everyone knows he’s an energy guy that can sometimes be a little over aggressive in pursuit or miss a big tackle.
Still, he’s shown improvements in those areas this year and should fight for a top-round pick. He’s going to have to fight for his spot with EDGE defenders having teams fawn over them, but Jefferson’s passion will help him.
Tyquan Lewis
DL, Ohio State
As mentioned before, it was a huge day for the Ohio State Buckeyes this past week. They kept any slim playoff chances alive and showed that they still have plenty of pride after getting embarrassed the week before.
It starts up front defensively with their stout defensive line and the entire unit came to play. Tyquan Lewis had two tackles in the win over Michigan State and as mentioned, his value doesn’t come from the stat sheet.
It comes from his ability to win in the trenches and to force the offense to where he pushes them. When running backs get forced to the outside or Lewis collapses the pocket on the quarterback, it allows the rest of the defense to capitalize.
His value will be as a defensive line anchor on a team. He’s going to get his share of sacks as well, but he is hard to stop in one-on-one situations.