KJ Stepherson 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position:Wide Receiver
Height: 6’0.4
Weight: 181 LBS
School: Jacksonville State
Pro Day Measurements
Hand: 8 7/8
Arm: 31 3/4
Wingspan: 77 1/4
40-Yard Dash: 4.66
20-Yard Dash: 2.71
10-Yard Dash: 1.57
Vertical Jump: 38 1/2
Broad Jump: 10’07”
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.22
3-Cone Drill: 6.99
KJ Stepherson 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
KJ Stepherson began his college career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Let’s just say, it didn’t go as planned. He didn’t end up at Jacksonville State by accident, a troubling stretch of off the field issues led him there. It began before he even took a snap in college football, as part of a Notre Dame football incident that became known as the Fulton County Five. In this incident Stepherson was arrested for possession of drugs and a firearm. It didn’t get better as Stepherson proceeded to get arrested on back to back days during the following season. One for marijuana possession and one for shoplifting at a department store. The Macy’s arrest was the final straw at Notre Dame, as Stepherson was let go from the program. Even then, he managed to get in trouble one more time after, logging an arrest in Indiana County for drug possession.
So why did Stepherson get a chance at Jacksonville State? Simply put, talented players usually get a second chance. In the 17 games Stpeherson managed to play at Notre Dame between suspensions, he put up good numbers as a rotational player with 44 catches, 821 yards and 10 touchdowns. The talent was enough for him to get a shot at a lower level, and he took advantage of the opportunity. He posted 36 catches 479 yards and 6 touchdowns in 9 games as a rotational player. With his size and seemingly untapped talent, he is generating some draft buzz. PFF’s Mike Renner ranked him 153rd on his big board above other high profile names.
Strengths
- Shuttle time ranked in the upper half at his pro day;
- Averaged 18.7 YPC at Notre Dame, showing big play ability;
- Separation above average at times;
- Yards after the catch ability, with good feet;
- His ceiling is higher than most late round picks.
Weaknesses
- Multiple off-field issues;
- Long speed is an issue;
- 4o time and broad jump;
- Limited tape;
- Route-Running needs improvement.
Player Comparison: T.J. Jones
Teams With Need At Position: Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers
Draft Projection: 6th Round or later
Bottom Line on KJ Stepherson
With his troubling off the field issues and his lack of college tape, Stepherson is going to have to rely on his potential to get drafted. One team is going to have to fall in love with the potential ceiling. His pro day numbers didn’t help him much, as his 40 time was on the slower end of the wr spectrum. However, in his college tape he shows short field burst along with adequate hands to make a team as a rotational WR. On draft day, Stepherson shouldn’t expect to hear his name called until day three, and because of the criminal issues of the past, he may have to wait until after the draft to hear from NFL teams.
Main photo:
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