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Jason Jefferson
DT | (6\'1\", 310, 5.2) | WISCONSIN

Scouts Grade: 68 Selected by: New Orleans Saints
Round: 6
Pick (Overall): 19(193)

Strengths: Is a wide, physical two-gap DT/NT prospect. Is at his best when asked to hold his ground versus the run. Will do a good job of protecting his linebackers. Has long arms and will keep separation. Is stout with a strong lower body and powerful upper body. Is a disciplined player that knows his role and executes it.

Weaknesses: Is a below-average athlete. Lacks great initial quickness and agility. Has marginal speed. Does not make a lot of plays in pursuit or as a pass rusher. Does not run very well and shows marginal closing burst. Is a below average tackler who will miss some tackles in space and does not show a lot of explosiveness at the POA.

Overall: Jefferson redshirted in 2000 and played sparingly as a reserve defensive tackle in 2001 before taking over as a 12-game starter his redshirt sophomore season in 2002. He had a breakout season next to Anttaj Hawthorne as a junior in 2003, finishing with 30 total tackles, two for loss and one sack. Jefferson had another solid season as a senior in 2004, finishing with 25 tackles, five TFL and three sacks. Jefferson does not have nearly the potential that Hawthorne possesses, but he is a solid mid-round prospect with the potential to contribute as a situational player in the NFL. Jefferson lacks great quickness, agility and speed, but he does have good size, strength, toughness, instincts and durability versus the run. In our opinion, Jefferson should develop into a solid two-gap run-stuffer as a \"wave\" DT or NT in the NFL, but he is unlikely to ever develop into a solid starter and he will never be an every-down player.

I picked us to select him in the 6th round in the guess the Saints picks thread. I think that he can help us with our run stopping defense. I saw him play in a few games last year. SI.com projected him as a late 3rd rounder.