Jalen Jelks – Noteworthy
Former Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Jalen Jelks’ performance at the 2019 NFL combine has drawn some comparisons to former Ducks star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, who posted a career year for the San Francisco 49ers and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2018 season. Here’s a tale of the tape looking at just how closely they compare when it comes to their measurements and results at the NFL Scouting Combine. Buckner is taller and bigger than Jelks, which is why Buckner played more as an interior defensive lineman. Jelks posted faster times in the 40-yard dash and the 3-cone drill, and he’s been pegged as an edge rusher or an outside linebacker. Buckner was a first-round selection (No. 7) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2016 NFL draft. We’ll see in late April where Jalen Jelks lands. He’s projected as a third-round selection, but he could sneak into the second with solid private workouts and improved performance at the Ducks’ Pro Day. The NFL draft is April 25-27. – OregonLive.com
