I’m a yes sir, no sir type of guy, anything they ask me to do I’ll do it

Jalen Jelks

Introduction

Jalen Jelks NFL Draft Sleeper. Jelks is an edge rusher out of the University of Oregon. For the raw combine numbers he ran a 4.92 40 yard dash. Jelks put up 19 reps on the bench press, and had a 113 inch broad jump. He put up a 32.5 vertical and ran the 3 cone drill in 7.22 seconds. Finally, he ran the shuttle in 4.59 seconds. He measured in at 6’5″ 256 pounds, with 34 5/8 inch long arms. The arm length really stands out as he has a wingspan of a 6’11” man. His combine performance was disappointing. We will have to see if he can improve these raw numbers at his pro day.

History

Jelks would have likely been a first or second round pick if he had come out last year. He elected to come back to school and learn from defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt for another year. This lead to him playing out of position a lot this year. He was lining up over the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle, filling the B gap, which is very difficult for a guy of his weight. His change in positions lead to a drop in production, however it is important to note he was still a first team all Pac-12 defender. There’s also a fun video of him absolutely running over offensive tackle Max Scharping with a bull rush.

Interview

In my interview with him he said he is most comfortable as a pass rushing defensive lineman, or as an outside linebacker. He thinks his game mimics Aldon Smith’s, and they are a similar size. When asked what a team gets when they draft him, Jelks had a lengthy answer about his versatility and willingness to do anything.

“A good guy on and off the field, a guy who can play special teams, somebody who can play special teams. Somebody who can fill many different roles on defense, whatever position they want me to play is fine with me. I’ll put my hand in the dirt, stand up, drop, whatever they ask me to do. I’m a yes sir, no sir type of guy, anything they ask me to do I’ll do it,” said Jelks.

He even talked about his willingness to take care of the veterans by washing their cars or carrying their pads. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him.

Between the Senior Bowl and the Combine, Jelks has met with every NFL team. He specifically mentioned a formal meeting with the Cowboys, but also mentioned that he had many more coming up.

Improvements

Jelks needed to work on his lower body strength this offseason and has put in time at Exos training in his home state of Arizona. He has put on 11 pounds while continuing to look very lean. Other common criticisms of him have been his lack of production his senior year. However, that was mainly due to a change in position that saw him playing defensive end in a 3-4. This caused him to not rush the quarterback. After the Combine his stock took a hit. He was expected to run faster than he did. Even though his 3 cone drill time was pretty good. This shows that he’s still quick and changes direction well.

Draft Stock

 

Jelks is a guy who’s draft stock seems to be hurting because he chose to go back to school for his senior year and was willing to play a position that he wasn’t used to or built for. It’s also a position that doesn’t rack up stats. His drop-off in production and his slow time at the Combine have his draft stock falling. To me, that’s ludicrous. His junior film shows he has no problem getting after the quarterback. This means he clearly plays faster than his 40 time would lead you to believe. He has freakishly long arms which will be a big help in the NFL. If Jelks has a good pro day, he could go back up draft boards. However I don’t think he should have ever dropped from where he was a year ago.

In the NFL he should play a traditional pass rush defensive end, or outside linebacker position. If he does, he will be making tackles for loss at a high rate again. I view his ability to play the B gap as a big positive. This makes him an every down lineman or linebacker instead of a pure pass rusher. If he runs the same numbers at his pro day, he will probably end up a 3rd or 4th round pick which is way too low for him. Jelks is a talented, smart, selfless player, I’d love to have him on my team.

Prediction

Draft Dive Grade: Late 1st to mid 2nd round. The depth of edge rushers hurts Jelks a little, but he showed he is more than an edge rusher his senior year. Will contribute meaningfully his rookie year.

Likely Landing Spot: Tough to say, no team can ever have enough pass rushers. If Arizona takes Murray number 1 overall, they will be looking to add pass rushers later in the draft. Jelks happens to be from Arizona. Really though, it’s wide open for him. Will he go before teammate Justin Hollins? Jalen Jelks NFL Draft sleeper, the league better wake up.

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