Van Jefferson is the latest wide receiver to be drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, joining Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds as some of the most notable in recent years. The Rams selected him at No. 57 overall in the second round, bolstering the receiving corps after trading away Brandin Cooks.
Here are four things to know about Jefferson, Los Angeles’ newest wide receiver.
His favorite route is the slant
Jefferson is a savvy route runner and one of the best in the class, but he has one route that he prefers over the rest: the slant. While not the fastest or most explosive receiver, Jefferson is sharp at the top of his break and creates separation against defenders.
My favorite route to run would probably be a slant,” he told Justin Melo of Draft Wire. “We ran a lot of slants in our offense here at Florida. I just tried to perfect that route. I can run any route, but I would say that a slant is probably my favorite.”
His dad played 13 years in the NFL
Jefferson’s dad, Shawn Jefferson, was an NFL receiver for 13 years and is currently an assistant coach with the Jets. Across his career with the Chargers, Patriots, Falcons and Lions, Shawn Jefferson had 470 receptions for 7,023 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the NFL in yards per reception (22.7) in 1998 with the Patriots, and had seven seasons with at least 600 yards receiving.
As a coach, he’s worked under Adam Gase since 2016, spending time with the Dolphins and now the Jets.
He transferred from Ole Miss for his junior year
Jefferson transferred from Ole Miss after three seasons, including a redshirt freshman year. This came after the Rebels were sanctioned by the NCAA, which allowed Jefferson to play immediately at Florida after switching schools.
At Ole Miss, Jefferson had 999 yards receiving on 91 catches, scoring four touchdowns in two seasons.
He has limited punt return experience
The Rams could use some help on special teams, specifically at punt and kick returner. Jefferson isn’t necessarily an impact player in that department, but he did field seven punts in college, so he has done it before.
Perhaps the Rams will work with him on that aspect of his game so he can help out and provide a contingency plan in case Nsimba Webster doesn’t work out.
