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LSU football’s Justin Jefferson is still getting majorly disrespected

By Zach Ragan

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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LSU football wide receiver Justin Jefferson is still somehow being overlooked in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Despite an incredible statistical season in 2019, LSU football wide receiver Justin Jefferson is still somehow being overlooked in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jefferson, who caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2019, is not among Pro Football Focus’ top five wide receivers in their final draft breakdown.

The Louisiana native is actually the No. 8 wide receiver on Pro Football Focus’ big board.

Here are the seven wide receivers ahead of Jefferson.

  • Jerry Jeudy — Alabama
  • CeeDee Lamb — Oklahoma
  • Henry Ruggs III — Alabama
  • Laviska Shenault Jr — Colorado
  • Jalen Reagor — TCU
  • Michael Pittman Jr — USC
  • Tee Higgins — Clemson

Pro Football Focus’ main issue with Jefferson is his ability to separate from defenders. They acknowledge that Jefferson has great body control and “superb” ball skills. But they suggest that his ability to create space “remains to be seen”, despite his 4.43 time in the 40 yard dash at the combine.

There’s no doubt this is an extremely deep draft when it comes to wide receivers. And I definitely understand that Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb are the top wide receivers in this class. But I think Jefferson is right there around that No. 3 spot, along with Henry Ruggs III.

Putting Jefferson below Tee Higgins is just an insult if we’re being honest. Jefferson outplayed Higgins head to head in the national championship game (Jefferson had nine catches for 106 yards, while Higgins had three catches for 52 yards).

While I think Jefferson should be around the No. 3 wide receiver selected in the draft, I believe he has the potential to have the best pro career out of this group. When it comes to route running and ball skills, he’s elite. But he has to prove that he can create space. I get it.

Remember, there were similar questions about New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas and his ability to win against press coverage off the line. That’s part of the reason he slipped to the second round.

Thomas, however, has been incredible during his four years in the NFL. In 2019, he caught 149 passes (most ever in a season) for 1,725 yards.

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Jefferson could have a similar career to Thomas. If seven other wide receivers are better than Jefferson, then this class is loaded with future Hall of Famers.

But I just don’t see that being the case.

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