2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 49ers look for linebackers
By Joseph Naki
Leon Jacobs, Wisconsin
San Francisco 49ers
At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Leon Jacobs of Wisconsin has the talent to play in the NFL. Jacobs shows promise, but most scouts think he’s not NFL ready and needs time to grow and progress in some critical areas.
Per NFL.com:
"Looks like a “dude” with long arms and an athletic, cut frame. Has experience at inside and outside linebacker. Explosive athlete…his athletic flashes can be pronounced. Has agility to drop and cover in space. Has length to become much better as an edge-setter. Able to stick a foot in the ground and explode when changing directions."
Jacobs has NFL tools, and with the right team could flourish into one heck of a player. Jacobs college film looks good in terms of on-field speed, closing on the ball, free in space and definitely a sure tackler.
Nonetheless, Jacobs killed the combine. His physical prowess was certainly on display in all the activities. Running a 4.48 40-yard dash and bench pressing an impressive 26 reps, Jacobs proved to many scouts and GMs he may be worth a mid-round selection.
Jacobs would fit well in a 4-3 scheme, and I would move him inside rather than outside in coordinator Robert Saleh’s defensive plans. This could be a diamond in the rough.
An athlete to keep an eye on, Jacobs is certainly worth the look.