Arkansas Football: Jefferson receives draftable grade through four weeks

Following the first third of the college football season, the 2024 NFL Draft Board is beginning to take shape. A pair of stud quarterbacks cornerstone the list in Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina).

Last  year, 12 quarterbacks were drafted in the first five rounds which is now a record. The landscape of college football is everchanging and the talent level right now is the highest ever. One of those top prospects leads the Arkansas Razorbacks. A record seeking signal caller, KJ Jefferson is hoping to live out his dream of making it to The League once his college career is over. Right now, he is ranked as the 14th quarterback prospect, according to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, an NFL Draft analyst.

Scouting Report

Jefferson has turned his plus traits into production. Through four games, he has completed 70.4% of his passes for 918 passing yards, nine touchdown throws and three interceptions. Also a threat on the ground, he has added another 128 rushing yards this season.

Jefferson has played in multiple offenses throughout his career, so he has experience with different types of schemes. But he has looked most comfortable when he can use his arm from condensed sets and mix in play-action passes and downhill QB-designed runs. He has a fluid motion and is making better decisions, timing his footwork with routes. I saw him live during the season-opener against Western Carolina, and his consistent improvement from season to season has been evident.

Where he needs work: Can he drive the ball into tight windows? We’ve seen issues on throws that require sideline accuracy, which can be traced back to Jefferson throwing off his back foot and failing to incorporate his lower body. The two areas where he struggles with accuracy are between the hashes (69.2%) and to the right sideline (68.8%).

The Impact of Jefferson

While the fanbase is looking for wins — and deservedly so — they must realize the true weapon they have at quarterback. Jefferson has lived through the toughest stretch of football the Arkansas program has been through. For that alone should give him respect for sticking it out even if he hasn’t always been the top option at points in his career. It’s called leadership and any NFL franchise will be happy to have him around.

Jefferson’s ability to scramble and find open receivers is another piece of his game that is often overlooked. He always keeps his eyes downfield even directing traffic to help receivers create separation downfield. Although the Sardis, (Miss.) native hasn’t been tested on intermediate throws earlier in his career, Jefferson has squeezed passes into tight coverage on a few occasions including an excellent 31-yard diving reception by Isaac TeSlaa against Kent State a few weeks ago.

Attacking the middle of the field is another part of his game that was yet to be touched before offensive coordinator Dan Enos arrived. Slants routes have been a wrinkle added and while making several passes with ease. It’s obvious the improvements in Jefferson’s game from Enos, who has a solid group of quarterbacks in the league. Most notably Jalen Hurts (Eagles). Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Mac Jones (Patriots), Cooper Rush (Dallas), Brandon Allen (San Francisco) and Desmond Ritter (Falcons).

The Hogs’ star may not be considered the top quarterback at his position, but has been a certified stud throughout the past three seasons — helping the Hogs return to respectability.