28 Jun Preseason Scouting Notes: JaCoby Stevens, DB, LSU
Senior┃6’2┃230 lbs.┃DOB: 7/19/1998┃Murfreesboro, TN
A versatile defender who displays solid zone coverage skills and good open-field tackling ability
Overview:
On passing downs, JaCoby Stevens plays everywhere; rushing the quarterback, manning the hook and flat areas of the defense, or playing deep safety or slot. In running situations, he was lined up on both the weak and strong side as an edge defender or linebacker. He was voted to the 2019 All-Sec 2nd team as a defensive back. In 2019, finished second on the team with 53 solo tackles. Started 19 out of 41 games in his college career. Converted defensive back from wide receiver in 2017, playing slot corner, edge, off-ball linebacker and safety for LSU’s 4-2-5 hybrid defense.
Strengths:
– Rarely misses open field tackles, takes good angles, wraps up ball carrier and shows power to limit yards after contact
– Plays the option run well and shows quickness to get to RB on dive read
– Solid quickness/burst to stay with receivers in short passing game and close on balls underneath
– Shows solid hip fluidity when changing direction in his backpedal
– Enough speed to stay in phase with tight ends and some receivers when going vertical
– Shows good initial burst as a pass rusher
– When hip-to-hip on receiver, shows good ability to play the ball and contest the catch
– Willing to set the edge versus the run, showing good length and solid punch timing
– Special teams ability on punts, punt returns and field goal defense
Areas to improve:
– Hardly makes an attempt to reroute receivers when they get to or cross his zone
– When in coverage, stays flat footed at times while diagnosing routes
– Peripheral vision/awareness could be better as he finds himself struck by rub routes and needs to get better at diagnosing route concepts
– No experience covering running backs
– No pass rush plan as a blitzer, simply relies on speed
– Plays conservative at times against the run. Not attacking space or pulling linemen
– Struggles to shed blocks against tight ends and offensive linemen with good grip strength
– Takes a false step as a rusher at the snap
– Not very consistent on his strike timing while taking on blocks
– Lacks hustle at times
Injury History:
– Suffered arm/shoulder injury (vs Clemson late in 1Q; returned to game). Unknown absence in 2018 (vs Louisiana Tech and Florida)
Projection:
Stevens was never in one spot for LSU on a drive. As a slot corner, he matched up against tight ends from zone or man, and against receivers mostly in zone. As a safety, he played the deep half, middle, and outside third of the field. He also showed good enough size to handle tight ends. Despite his versatility, at the next level Stevens would be best served to contribute in special teams or be an extra dime defender for a team that plays a lot of zone defense. His lack of range and limited quickness would likely limit him to cover only the deep half of the field and hook/flat areas in passing situations.
What to watch in 2020:
In all but one season (2014) over this past decade, LSU has seen at least one secondary player get drafted. Talk about consistency. With Grant Delpit on to the NFL, the next Tigers secondary who are eligible are seniors Stevens and Kary Vincent Jr. For 2020, Stevens will need to improve on his route recognition, as he would struggle staying with quicker and savvier receivers man-to-man in the NFL. He will also look to get better at shedding blocks and improve his pass rush ability and ball skills to be an every down defender.
From El Paso, Texas where most of time is spent reading, swimming, and watching basketball and football games.
Entering 3rd year with Pro Football Focus, helping out with various processes.
Enjoys scribbling notes on NFL and College players, with the intent to hopefully work for an NFL team.