Chicago Bears: 5 Outside linebackers to target in 2018 NFL Draft
Malik Jefferson, Texas: 6-3, 236 pounds
What the Bears want on their roster now are athletic and interchangeable. Fangio wants to move his players around like pawns on a chess board. He likes giving opposing offenses different looks, thus keeping them off kilter a bit. If you give a quarterback enough to think about, even Aaron Rodgers, he’ll eventually make mistakes. It’s been awhile since the Bears’ defense did that.
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Malik Jefferson gives Fangio and the Bears that flexibility. He can play inside or outside. His body and speed and athleticism allow him to perform well. He ran a 4.52-second 40, so he can run sideline to sideline or attack from the edge.
Against the pass, Jefferson can take on the tight end and affect his route. Also, he’s a good blitzer. Even when he doesn’t disguise it well, his speed and athleticism help him to still get the job done. He does a good job of getting to the quarterback, recording 13 sacks.
Against the run, he explodes well and gets into the backfield quickly. He wreaks havoc, getting tackles for loss (26 career tackles for loss). Even if he doesn’t get to the ball carrier, Jefferson affects where he runs.
For whatever reason, Jefferson hasn’t put it all together yet. On the field, he seems more comfortable attacking and running freely. When asked to diagnose and react he gets in trouble. Jefferson sometimes goes for the big hit. When he connects it’s a great hit that riles up the stadium but at times a runner bounces off him if he doesn’t wrap up properly.
Jefferson’s play improved a lot when the Longhorns hired a new defensive coordinator. Todd Orlando had him constantly on the attack and that helped him Jefferson has the tools to be an effective starter at the next level. He needs a coaching staff to help develop his tools. The Chicago Bears’ staff, led by Fangio, might be the best chance for his development.