Jonathan Ledbetter, DE, Georgia #13
6026, 280, 4.86
Notes: From Tucker, GA. Played in 7 games with 4 tackles in 2015. Arrested for underage possession of alcohol and possession of a fake ID in March 2016; charges were later dismissed. In July 2016, was asleep behind the wheel of a car blocking an intersection near UGA campus, failed two field sobriety tests, was arrested on DUI charges with blood alcohol content between .131 and .138. After meeting with Georgia coach Kirby Smart, the athletic department announced that Ledbetter was being disciplined and was entering an intensified education, counseling and medical assistance program. He was allowed to take a temporary leave of absence from the team to enroll in an alcohol assessment program. Suspended for the first 6 games of the season, he saw action in 7 games with 4 starts, had 24 tackles, 2.5 TFL and 1 sack in 2016. Started 11 of 15 games, finishing with 38 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks in 2017.
Positives: NFL talent with frame and movement skills you look for. Appears to have learned from mistakes in his past and matured. Good get-off quickness and flashes explosiveness. Generally plays with leverage and shows power. Strong hands and arms. Does a nice job of keeping blockers off his body. Shows advanced shedding technique and some variety in his pass-rush strategy. Can take on and disengage from blockers at the point of attack. Plays with toughness and intensity. Chases plays down from behind against the run and hustles in pursuit.
Negatives: Lacks ideal height and length for defensive end. Isn’t an elite, quick-twitch, pure speed athlete.
Summary: Has the look of a steady, anchor end who can disrupt, shed blockers and make some plays. Will obviously have to explain his past off-field issues to scouts during the pre-draft process.
