Scouting The Draft, Jan Jorgensen,OLB, BYU

I was checking down the combine participant list, and I noticed a name wasn't there, that of Jan Jorgensen, a DE at BYU who would likely move to OLB in a 3-4 system. I could remember Jan from the season and so I went away and checked his stats. Four years at BYU (redshirted as a freshman) 30 sacks, 44 tackles for loss, I'm thinking this guy probably has deserved a chance.

Lately people have been really asking about later round guys and potential guys like Jamaal Westerman. Well Jorgensen might be one of those undrafted guys at the end the day. With him not being a main guy, there is little to go on, but when I saw him against Utah State this year he was quite impressive. He is most definitely a Jack of all trades, has decent speed to get to the outside, but is stout against the run. 6-7th round or potential UFA

Career Stats

2005- RS

2006- 13 games, 34 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks

2007- 13 games, 77 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks

2008- 13 games, 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks

2009- 13 games, 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks

Career Achievements

2007- MWC First Team Selection

2008- MWC First Team Selection

2009- MWC First Team Selection

2009- Ted Hendricks Defensive End Mid-Season Watch List

What Does Jan Jorgensen Do Well?

You only need to look at his stats to realise that he has a tendency to get into the backfield, he has a nice first step, and uses the bull rush quite well. He was a team captain with BYU in 2009 and became a leader of a very good team. Plays against the run exceptionally well, and helped BYU rank 21st in the nation in rushing defence. Has nice lateral movement and keeps his eyes focused on the QB. Runs a 4.6 flat 40 according to reports, and that's is pretty good for a guy who is 6-3 and 259lb's. Bodes well for a transition to the OLB spot. Is a hard worker and was named to the all academic squad this year. Plays to the whistle and runs down players that do manage to get away from him. Extremely durable, has played in 52 straight games for BYU.

What Does Jan Jorgensen Need To Work On?

Personally speaking, I have never seen him drop back into coverage. He has only one pass defence in his career at BYU, and that came in the Bowl game this season. He has a limited repertoire when it comes to move, and although he has a decent first step, open field speed and diagnosing the play might be a problem if asked to be a read and react player in the NFL.

Bottom Line

I have seen Jan perhaps 3 times in his career, and I was surprised when I read that his stock was so low, BYU played some decent teams this season. BYU were 3-1 against nationally ranked teams this season, and his ability to play the run is pretty intriguing. I want to file this one away with "give him to Rex and see what he can do". He obviously has his flaws to be a low draft pick or a UFA. However I would really like to see us pick him up either in the 7th or if we think he is going un-drafted, sign him on at the end. Not saying he is going to be a star, or even a starter, but he has shown enough in college to warrant the opportunity 20 TFL and 14 sacks in a season speak for themselves.

Video Highlights.