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Jabril Cox, LB
School: Louisiana State University | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6’3” / 233 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd-3rd Round
Player Comparison: Fred Warner
College Statistics
Player Overview
In high school, Jabril Cox was a dual-threat quarterback that also played wide receiver, safety, cornerback, and linebacker. He was lightly recruited out of high school and decided to attend FCS stalwart North Dakota State University. Once there, Cox made the most of his opportunity. In 45 games over three seasons at NDSU, he tallied 258 tackles (32 for loss), 14 sacks, six INTs (two returned for TDs), 18 PBUs, and a forced fumble. This was enough for Missouri Valley Conference’s Freshman of the Year in 2017 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. He was also an FCS All-American in 2018 and 2019. That wasn’t enough for Cox. He transferred to LSU to show he could produce in college football’s toughest conference. Cox did not miss a beat. He continued his solid play all season for LSU, ultimately being named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
Strengths
- Has great length for the position
- High-end speed and athleticism to play anywhere on the field
- Can play man coverage tight ends, running backs, and even some slot WRs
- Strong backside pursuit and can pursue QBs that leak out of the pocket
Weaknesses
- Must get more physical when playing around the line of scrimmage and making tackles
- Needs to diagnose plays faster to take advantage of his athleticism
Let’s See His Work
Surprised LSU/NDSU LB Jabril Cox isn't getting more buzz. The dude was glued at the hip to TE's and RB's in Mobile and the tape backs up that ability. Not many other LB's out there making plays like this in coverage. Wonder if a shift to safety could be in store for him. pic.twitter.com/obXwK5gaKD
— #AlijahVeraTuckerAt13 (@StevenIHaglund) March 25, 2021
There wasn’t a more impressive LB yesterday at the Senior Bowl for the American team than Jabril Cox. Won most pass rush reps and was best in coverage. Closes space to Elijah Mitchell, stays in stride with him, and finds ball in phase. pic.twitter.com/fpSxo1poMB
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 27, 2021
How He Would Fit
Cox has did exactly what a FCS player should do: dominate. After transferring to LSU, he continued to play extremely well. His speed and athleticism are on display whenever he plays in space. In coverage, he’s more than capable of using his length to cover tight ends and his speed to cover some slot receivers. Not only is he good in coverage, but he actually finds the ball and makes plays on it. He definitely could be more physical both with his tackling and his play around the line of scrimmage.
Cox would be an excellent replacement for Kevin Pierre-Louis at WILL linebacker. His ability to cover a wide range of offensive players fills an immediate need for Washington, a need we have struggled to fill on a long-term basis. There is not much competition at the position. Landon Collins said he will not play WILL linebacker. Khaleke Hudson who, although getting more snaps at the position late last season, is most likely depth at the position. Josh Harvey-Clemons opted out last season and probably won’t start if he’s on the roster. Although I have concerns about his physicality, the coaching staff should be able to scheme the defense to take advantage of Cox’s strengths as he improves in this area.