Steelers scouting profile: Jermar Jefferson is a wasted pick

Jefferson’s Pros

I’m going to be blunt with this: I see little upside with a prospect like Jefferson. His best trait seems to be his vision, as he can decipher pretty well at the line and find a lane to run through. As well, once he sees a hole, he seems to hit it hard. While the patience style of Le’Veon Bell works behind a great line, being able to read a defensive front and attack what is given you quickly would better fit the Steelers’ current line.

As well, Jefferson runs with good balance. He doesn’t possess an elite “break the tackle” ability, but he can bounce off of bad tackles with relative ease and continue to move forward and gain more yards. He won’t kill a defender in open space, but he can do enough to gain some extra yardage down the road. While no Javonte Williams, who is nearly impossible to get down in space, Jefferson can still serve well enough in the role.

Beyond that, Jefferson is pretty solid in most phases. He lacks a true elite trait (which is a negative, granted) but has jack-of-all traits feel to him. He can break off a long run despite not having speed and he can truck a defender despite not being built as a true power back. He should be able to carve out a role in the NFL, but he doesn’t seem like a true starter.