The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. LSU defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson plans on taking full advantage. Jefferson recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Jefferson also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, stopping the run, writing his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Jefferson better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jordan Jefferson: I was leaving EXOS and I was on my way home. My agent called me and told me hey, you got the Senior Bowl invite! I was so excited. I grew up watching the Senior Bowl. Going to the Senior Bowl is a big deal. I feel very blessed.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s invite?
Jordan Jefferson: I’m thankful that the LSU fans and my family are going to have one final opportunity to see play one final time in that LSU helmet. Playing against the best seniors in the country was a huge motivational factor as well.
The best seniors in the nation are coming together for one big game and an entire week of practice. That’s huge. All of the NFL scouts are going to be in attendance. There’s going to be a lot of great coaches doing a lot of great teaching. It’s a learning experience. The all-around experience is why I accepted the invite.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jordan Jefferson: I want to prove that they’re getting an all-around player, a dominant player. I’m a versatile talent that can play anywhere across the defensive line. I won’t be denied. I’m an immovable player. I’m an all-around team-first smart player. I’m an NFL player.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Write your own scouting report for me.
Jordan Jefferson: I’m extremely strong at the point of contact. I have great feet. I’m very dominant and elusive in the run game. I’m tough to block one-on-one. I’m a smart defender against the run. I’m an every-down player.
I possess the ability to rush the quarterback as well, although I'm still developing as a pass rusher. I definitely have the technique and skill set to be a successful pass rusher in this league. I’m a dominant defender that wreaks havoc in the backfield. I can abuse the offensive linemen in front of me.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL defensive lineman, who would you choose and why?
Jordan Jefferson: I’d probably pick Derrick Nnadi or Jeffery Simmons. The reason I bring them up, both of those guys have similar body types to mine. We’re all roughly 6-foot-3, 310 pounds. We’re very strong and play a dominant brand of football. I’m very physical. I approach the game the same way.
JM: How do you reflect on the decision to transfer from West Virginia to LSU?
Jordan Jefferson: I made that decision because even though I dominated and played very well in The Big 12, I wanted to prove that I could do the exact same thing in the SEC, the best conference in college football.
I wanted to compete against the best of the best on a weekly basis. That was really the biggest thing when I transferred. I wanted to prove that I could do it against anybody, not just offensive linemen in The Big 12.
JM: You did just that. Do you feel you’re more advanced as a pass rusher, or as a run stopper?
Jordan Jefferson: That’s a great question. I feel like I’m pretty advanced in both areas. I’ve always been really good in the run game. I’ve been coached up by my coaches at West Virginia and LSU. They really gave me extra tools to use in the run game and as a pass rusher as well.
JM: What’s on Jordan Jefferson’s pre-game playlist?
Jordan Jefferson: I’m a very calm person. My pregame playlist has a lot of calming music. I have some Phil Collins on there. I listen to soft country music. I’ll throw on some gospel music. I love listening to gospel music.
I listen to gospel music before every game. It calms me down and gets me in the right mindset. It puts me in a place of worship and thanks for another opportunity God blessed me with to play football. Gospel music is my go-to playlist right before a game.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jordan Jefferson?
Jordan Jefferson: It means I went down to Mobile and showcased my talents. I know I’m going to be the player I know I can be. I’m excited to connect with other top-tier prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. We’re going to build a sense of camaraderie and fellowship for a week.
I’m going to handle my business like a professional. A successful Senior Bowl means I left as an even better player than I came in. I want to get better this week in every aspect, both on and off the field. I’m going to take strides in the film room, throughout the interview process, and so on. I'm going to take what I learn and apply it to my daily life.
