Jalen Jelks, DE, Oregon #97
6052, 252, 4.81
Notes: From Phoenix, AZ. Redshirted as a freshman in 2014. Saw action in 11 games, posted 9 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 PBU and 1 FF in 2015. Played in 8 games, finished with 31 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT and 3 PBU in 2016. Started all 13 games and made 59 tackles, 15 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 7 PBU and 1 blocked kick in 2017.
Positives: Very nice height and length. Long arms. Effective pass rusher off the edge. Can convert speed into power and shows strength with his hands. Difficult to throw over and has a knack for batting passes down at the line. Despite lean frame, he generally keeps blockers off his body and sheds to make plays on the ball against the run.
Negatives: Lacks lower-body power and leverage and will struggle with double-teams at the point of attack. Misses too many big-play opportunities and needs to finish more consistently. Not very instinctive at times. Still somewhat raw and inexperienced. Needs to improve blocking recognition and technique. A work in progress on secondary and succession of pass-rush moves.
Summary: Solid potential with high upside. Lacks ballast but you cannot teach his natural length and athletic ability.
