Jabril Cox 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Jabril Cox

Position: Linebacker

College: LSU

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 232 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 48 overall

Position Rank: LB5

Strengths: Jabril Cox was a three-year starter for the North Dakota State Bison before transferring to LSU and sliding right into a starting position there as well. He has high-level experience and knows only one speed to play at. Cox is the ideal athlete to play linebacker in today’s NFL, possessing top-tier speed for the position and explosiveness in everything he does. He runs fast and hits even faster, playing with an alpha mentality that didn’t skip a beat when he transferred to LSU. Cox plays with good instincts, particularly in the pass game, and understands route concepts and how they threaten various windows and seams throughout the play. As a run defender, much of his film at NDSU is him simply being the baddest dude on the field. He’s faster than most of the competition and it’s almost comical—like when one kid on the playground is clearly the best. Once Cox makes up his mind, he’s a see-it-and-go type of hitter that will chase relentlessly and looks for fast finishes. He could be a solid blitzer throughout his career, with a nose for the ball and a closing burst in tight spaces that make him dangerous. He’s got a nose for the football and attacks the line of scrimmage with intention.

Weaknesses: The athleticism and decisiveness that makes Cox a good player might be what limits him from being a great player. Too often he relies on being a top-tier athlete and it’s clear he’s simply chasing. When there’s too much to process at any given time, he lapses. He’s forced to make up for those momentary pauses with speed and, while it worked at NDSU, it won’t always work in the NFL. Defensive coordinators may struggle to get Cox to see how he fits into the big picture of a defense and to play within the scheme because he’s so damn good as an individual talent. While you don’t want to dim the shine, there are times when he has to fit cohesively within the rest of the front, including taking on blocks in the gap so that others can fit for the tackle. 

What I Love: Cox is a nonstop alpha that plays revved up on every snap. He has unquestionable athleticism and won’t be overwhelmed by the athletes he’ll see on Sundays.

NFL Comparison: Jordan Hicks

Grade: 82/100

Position Specific Traits:

(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: ++

Football IQ/Instincts: +

Pass Coverage: +++

Pass Rush: ++

Run Defense: ++

Tackling: ++