ESPN’s Joe Schad is reporting that South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery will enter the 2012 NFL Draft following a year full of ups and downs.
Alshon Jeffery’s struggles through the 2011 were well documented as he saw a significant drop in production in 2011. Jeffery’s sophomore season was his breakout season with 88 receptions for 1,517 yards and 9 TD’s. His junior season was filled with turmoil before it began. Jeffery came into spring camp noticeably out of shape which became evident in the beginning of the season. Jeffery labored in the beginning of 2011 and looked to run out gas midway through the season. South Carolina’s offense was delivered several blows throughout 2011 including losing star RB Marcus Lattimore to injury and starting quarterback Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team following a failed substance test.
Jeffery put up a strong contest in the Capital One Bowl against Alfonzo Dennard. He grabbed 4 passes for 148 yards and a TD before being ejected from the game for an altercation with Dennard.
Jeffery was considered a top 10 prospect going into the 2011 season but has suffered a hit to his draft stock with his spotty performance and conditioning in 2011. Jeffery lacks elite breakaway speed and struggled to get much separation this season. He is a physical receiver that could be a major threat in the redzone. Jeffery is still most likely to be taken in the first round and may go in the top 15 picks because of his upside.
Jeffery’s teammate at South Carolina Stephon Gilmore has decided to follow Jeffery in the 2012 NFL Draft. Gilmore is a junior cornerback that has a rare blend of size and speed. At 6’1″ 195 pounds Gilmore is a physical corner that was highly productive at South Carolina. Gilmore accounted for 8 INT’s in three seasons and is one of the more physical tacklers at the CB position in the NCAA.
Gilmore figures to be a solid second rounder that could slide into the first round due to the upside he offers from a physical standpoint.