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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Quinton Jefferson, DL

Hogs Haven takes a look at college prospects who could contribute to the Redskins

By Gabe Ward
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Quinton Jefferson, DL
School: Maryland | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Junior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 291 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th or 6th Round
NFL Comparison: Alex Carrington

College Statistics

Player Overview

Quinton Jefferson was recruited by Cincinnati, Iowa, Pittsburgh, before deciding to come to Maryland. He is married and is a father of three. Jefferson tore his ACL in 2014 and was allowed to play as a redshirt junior this year. He put together an impressive 2015 season and decided that declaring for the draft was in the best interest for himself and his family. Jefferson is a worker bee type player. He isn't particularly good or consistent at any one skill but his effort and tenacity and willingness to do the dirty work have produced results for him at Maryland. Jefferson is a hot and cold player. When Jefferson is hot he has an impressive get-off at the snap. He has the quickness to beat offensive lineman especially from the interior. He can shed blocks and has a nice arm over move which allows him to get into the backfield and close in on the ball carrier and finish. When he's cold he's a non-factor. Jefferson has technique issues that need to be fixed at the next level if he wants to be a consistent part of a DL rotation. His team-oriented attitude and high-effort style of play will likely get him drafted late on day 3.

Strengths

  • Worker bee type player that doesn't quit on plays. Will be scheme versatile in the NFL.
  • Quick get off on the snap. Fluid and flexible enough to split offensive lineman and generate pass rush.
  • Solid athleticism for a man his size.
  • Finishes strong when tackling for loss or making a sack.

Weaknesses

  • Wins with quickness and not power.  One of the technique issues I alluded to earlier is he is unable to sustain and transfer his quickness to power consistently.
  • Footwork is inconsistent and causes him to labor around edges.
  • Needs to use his eyes more when fighting the opposition he can lose sight of the ball and remove himself from the play.


Let's see his work: 

Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

Jefferson's best fit likely is in a 4-3 as a DT at the next level. That projection doesn't preclude him from playing DE in a 3-4 though. Jefferson's strengths would be amplified rushing from a 1 gap system where he is responsible for (obviously) 1 gap and can focus on generating pressure using his quickness. Jefferson's 6-4 frame looks like it could definitely handle an additional 10 lbs if say 3-4 teams like the Redskins were interested. If a 300 lb end is a requirement for the Redskins Joe Barry and Rob Akey will have to believe Jefferson can gain that weight and improve his functional strength and vision. In return they would get a quick lineman that plays hard and to the whistle that can generate a pass rush. Jefferson could be a good developmental rotational piece for the Redskins in the later rounds if the staff feel they could coach him up. Ultimately though I think Jefferson will have better luck in his NFL journey as a 3-tech in a 4-3.

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