NFL Draft 2018: 5 players that should have returned to school

3. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

As it pertains to physical tools, Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson has everything that you could want in an NFL player at the position. Not only does he possess nice size at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, but he has displayed all of the athletic tools that you’d need to succeed at the next level. He’s lightning quick in open space and his ability to pursue plays in the open field is second to none in this draft class. What’s more, he’s shown the ability to make big hits and sure tackles when given the opportunity.

However, the NFL game is based on so much more than physical tools. There are hundreds and hundreds of great athletes that either enter the league or try to enter the league and flame out because of that very reason. As of right now, Jefferson appears like he could wind up being one of those players. He hasn’t taken the necessary steps to become better in pass coverage and, when he’s engaged by blockers, his effectiveness is diminished a great deal. Those both will spell trouble for him at the next level.

Jefferson would have benefitted a great deal from staying another year in Austin and putting on more muscle. What’s more, he also would’ve done well for himself to pick up the more mental nuances of playing the linebacker position. Because he’s leaving early, however, there’s a good chance that he struggles mightily early in his NFL career, and perhaps moving forward beyond that as well.