2019 WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Jaylon Ferguson | LA Tech | EDGE

WorldWide Rams

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

​Jaylon Ferguson
Edge

HOMETOWN                       |           CLASS
St. Francisville, LA      |           Senior (RS)
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DRAFT YR:  2019     COMBINE INVITE: YES
                                       (Invite rescinded)                                     

Player Bio: Jaylon Ferguson, a St. Francisville, LA native signed his letter of intent with Louisiana Tech despite receiving offers from primary D-1 schools. Most kids expect to play right away as a freshman; however, the undersized EDGE traveled a different route. Ferguson decided to redshirt while he bulked up his body from 230 pounds to 250 pounds. Ferguson unselfishness paid off in the long wrong as he set a school record with recording 14 1/2 sacks his sophomore year. His junior season he was hampered with some nagging injuries. By his senior year, he put together one of the most spectacular seasons by recording 17 1/2 sacks. Ferguson would go on and set the NCAA record in sacks held by future hall of famer Terrell Suggs. Suggs record was currently at 44 as Ferguson finished his career with  45 sacks after his 21/2  sacks performance against Hawaii at the 2018 SoFi Hawaii Bowl. Ferguson received an invite to the 2019 NFL Combine, but the NFL rescinded his invite after performing a background check and found that Ferguson indeed convicted of a simple battery in his freshman season. Ferguson was involved in a fight at one of the local McDonald's restaurant. During the investigation period, it also is shown that he was charged with public intoxication while in college as well. According to the CBA of the NFL, a prospect can be disqualified from the combine if he has any arrest or convictions. Disheartening news not only for Ferguson but perhaps several NFL scouts who wanted to get an up-close look of him in person. Ferguson was the most dominating in the Conference-USA; however, questions will surround Ferguson of these red flags with matters or concern of this affecting his draft stock. 

​Accolades:
 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
• First Team All-Conference USA (2018)
• First Team All-Louisiana (2018)
• Walter Camp Second Team All-America (2018)
• FWAA Second Team All-America (2018)
• Sporting News Second Team All-America (2018)
• Associated Press Third Team All-America (2018)
• SoFi Hawaii Bowl Most Outstanding Player (2018)
• First Team All-Conference USA (2017)
• First Team All-Louisiana (2017)
• First Team All-Conference USA (2016)
• First Team All-Louisiana (2016)
• Preseason All-Conference USA (2016)
• FWAA Freshman All-America (2015)
• Sporting News Freshman All-America (2015)
• Second Team All-Louisiana (2015)
• All-Conference USA Honorable Mention (2015)
• Conference USA All-Freshman Team (2015)

Jaylon Ferguson
Edge 
SCHOOL:  LA TECH     |      CONFERENCE:  C-USA      
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:  6-4  / 272         ARMS: 34 1/2"         HANDS: 10 5/8”        40: 4.99          

COMBINE RESULTS
BENCH |   40 YD DASH  |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE
​    N/A   |         N/A           |              N/A               |           N/A         |             N/A                         N/A                            N/A

PRO-DAY RESULTS
BENCH |   40 YD DASH  |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE
​    24      |         4.75          |              32"              |           108"         |             8.08           |             5.12              |             N/A

Game Film
#45 ​Jaylon Ferguson vs. LSU (2018)

Strengths: Strong initial punch to create separation at the point of attack. Is a powerful bull rusher that pushes blockers back with speed to power conversion. Has a go-to move which is a push-pull snatch where he slings tackles around with relative ease. Excellent get-off at the snap of the ball with a long gliding stride. Excellent with his hands as a pass rusher and wins with hand fighting more often than ever.

Weaknesses: Struggles to disengage from the block against the run. Can be slow to read and react  processing the plays. Will get pushed around as a run defender, and does not possess enough strength to drop anchor. Has tiny bend or flexibility the makes him appears to look stiff. Speed to his game can improve and toils of changing direction. Need to develop more of arsenal in his pass rush to his game, lack counter moves often being a one-trick pony.
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Draft Grade: 5.99

Draft Projection: 1st round

Does He Fit?: Probably better fit in a 4-3 alignment, but can execute his in a 3-4 defense. He's a staunch run defender at the point-of-attack and could project to an interior rush role on second or third and long. Ferguson can be a valuable extra pass rusher and rotational defender for the Rams front seven.
 FFerg low ceiling, high floor edge defender who would operate best from a n the NFL. 
NFL Comparison: Marcus Davenport 

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