LB, LSU

Update: Jabril Cox Cowboys. Jabril Cox was taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. What a steal.

I don’t know if Jabril Cox has ever read “Take The Stairs” by Rory Vaden, but he sure didn’t take the elevator to the NFL. He exemplifies hard work and tenacity. This explosive LB from Louisiana State University was a two sport athlete from Missouri who’s lack of true position held him back in the scouts eyes. Only considered a two star recruit not every school came calling. Cox found himself playing for the FCS power house North Dakota State, no small feat in itself.

Cox went on to dominate the Missouri Valley Conference winning newcomer and freshman of the year as a redshirt freshman. As a follow up, he went on to win MVC Defensive Player of the Year as sophomore. In his three years as a Bison, he recorded a ridiculous 258 tackles, 14 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 18 deflections. After winning not one, not two, but three National Championships pro scouts were already checking into this young man but he decided to “take the stairs” and join the Tigers for his senior year.

The game film from LSU shows Cox as an elite athlete and I like the fact he wanted to prove himself against the best of the best in the SEC. I also loved seeing him play for a team like LSU that went through a lot of adversity in 2020. He continued to play hard for a depleted team that wasn’t in the running for a title, something he never experienced as a Bison. Cox stood out as one of the few bright spots for the Tigers this last year.

Strengths

This young man is an exceptional athlete, and his film confirms that. He is incredible in coverage and the stats show that as well. As a senior LB he recorded three interceptions, five deflections and one interception return for a TD as well. Against Florida he is blankets slot receivers although he stands 6-4 230 lbs. I like his vision in zone coverage and he can pursue sideline to sideline with the best of them. He is a sure tackler, but could add some raw strength. His hips are fluid for a linebacker and at times reminds me of Darius Leonard when he was at South Carolina. His upside is exponential, and coaches rave about his workmanship.

Weaknesses

As much as I love Cox as a 4-3 OLB in the NFL, I do believe he is limited to that role. I don’t see him being fluid from system to system. He struggles to get off blocks in the run game. His tremendous instincts in the pass game do not seem to transfer to the run game. I do see him making some good plays on outside runs like sweeps and stretch plays. He comes in and blows the play up early, but between the tackles he needs to study film and be a bit more aggressive. I’d also like to see him put a bigger hit on a back from time to time.

I see Cox as a future NFL starter in a 4-3 defense as an OLB, but I think he needs work in the run game still. He should find a lot of playing time as a rookie linebacker in nickel and dime sets, but he could be a liability in the run game against bigger stronger lineman. His athleticism is unquestionable and he belongs in the NFL. My only question is will he take the stairs all the way to the top, or will he plateau as just a coverage back?

Prediction/Comparison

Cox is a stud who deserves the attention he is receiving as of late. If he runs a 4.4 40 yard dash, which he has set as his goal, he will most definitely be a second round pick. Some scouts just can’t ignore those things. Although he could develop into a star in the league, I have him pegged as a third rounder. His inability to play inside the tackles on day one pushes him back. I see a game similar to Colts star Darius Leonard who went early second, though Leonard was a more complete player at this point.