Alabama Standout LB Joins AFC North Team in NFL Draft
Late in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end LT Overton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys . Not long after in Round 5, Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson came off the board.
Jefferson was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 149th overall pick of the draft, which could mean he will have an opportunity to play in Year 1.
The Browns definitely needed linebacker depth, so Jefferson may be able to carve out a niche in Cleveland.
Jefferson is coming off of a 2025 campaign in which he racked up 85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and five passes defended.
The Memphis native began his collegiate career at Pearl River Community College, spending a couple of years there before transferring to Alabama in 2023.
Jefferson played only sparingly during his first season with the Crimson Tide, but took on a much larger role in 2024, registering 60 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and a couple of sacks.
Jefferson is a bit undersized at six feet tall, 223 pounds, but he has very impressive athleticism and surprising strength.
"He plays with adequate field vision and good speed for long-haul pursuit," wrote Lancer Zierlein of NFL.com . "He's athletic with above-average change-of-direction quickness to stay engaged with the play."
His lack of size is certainly a problem, but perhaps Jefferson can find a role as a rotational player with the Browns.
"Jefferson lacks functional size to take on blocks and leverage his gap, so becoming a better block-slipper or run-and-chase option is essential," Zierlein continued. "He can cover, blitz and spy mobile quarterbacks, so a nickel linebacker/special-teams role could be his best fit."
Jefferson was viewed as a fifth-round value heading into the draft, so the fact that Cleveland nabbed him when it did was hardly surprising.
We'll see if the Browns are able to find some playing time for Jefferson throughout his rookie campaign.
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