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The New York Giants were bitten this past year by the lack of a pass rush. While they have a multitude of power rushers like Jason Pierre-Paul, and to an extent, Damontre Moore, they lack a pure speed rushing bend player. The last such presence on the team was a healthy and dominant Osi Umenyiora. The loss in free agency of Justin Tuck exacerbates the team's need at defensive end.
Let's take a look at this year's Ted Hendricks Award winner, defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat of the Texas Longhorns.
Pros
- Speed off the edge is unbelievable. Looks like a blur at times.
- Along with the burst comes the bend, he's a pure bend/speed rusher.
- Incredible production this past year. 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
- Active and violent hands make him difficult to grab and hold on to.
- Good awareness and has that "nose" for the ball.
Cons
- Strength at the point of attack virtually non-existent. Gets bullied by double teams.
- As a result, suffers from "Osi" syndrome when playing against the run.
- While bend can be elite, sometimes he doesn't drop his hips and turn enough and gets ridden out of the play.
- Has been limited throughout his career by minor injury over minor injury.
- Skinny frame, though he has solid length. 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. Needs to add weight.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Maybe but I'm leaning towards a no. I have to be convinced that he isn't just a 3-4 OLB at this point and that he can make the conversion to DE. The Giants seem pretty inflexible with their defensive line scheme and don't like players to be under 260 pounds. If he can convince them that his speed won't drop with the added weight, he could add some serious firepower to the pass rushing corps. His lack of strength won't do him many favors.
Prospect Video
Jackson Jeffcoat vs Texas Tech (2013) (via Adrian Ahufinger)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 72
Mocking The Draft - 63
CBS Sports - 80
Draft Countdown - 67
Draft Tek - 61
Final Thoughts
The consensus is pretty much there for Jeffcoat, as all the big boards have him going very late secondround to early-mid third round. Sounds about righ,t though I have a hunch he might go a little bit later because I think he'll be limited by scheme.
I think a team that runs a multiple defense could use Jeffcoat who has the experience as a LB and DE. Jeffcoat is a smooth mover and his speed is great for his size. He ran a 4.63 at the combine with an impressive 6.93 3-cone which indicates his change of direction skill set. That's consistent with what we see on film. He needs a lot of work setting the edge and just getting stronger. Reminds me a bit of the Osi Umenyiora version of our own Damontre Moore.