5 former Texas football still trying to find a home in the NFL in 2021

Malik Jefferson, LB

Among the more disappointing recent NFL Draft picks out of the Texas program is the former All-American linebacker and elite five-star recruit Malik Jefferson. A third round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, Jefferson did have pretty high expectations after coming off a very proficient three years on the Forty Acres.

Jefferson was one of the best defensive players that played for the Longhorns in the past decade. That, along with a high ceiling and tremendously gifted physical tools, gave Jefferson a bright outlook out of the gates in the NFL. But he never found traction with the Bengals in limited opportunities in his first couple of seasons at the next level.

Since parting ways with the Bengals back in summer of 2019, more than three different teams have at least given Jefferson an opportunity on a Training Camp roster and/or practice squad. He had a stint with the Cleveland Browns two years back, but he only registered one combined tackle, no tackles for loss, and no sacks, in bits and pieces of nine games played in 2019.

The likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Titans, have all given Jefferson a shot in the last few years. But he never made any headway to actually get a solidified spot in any NFL roster. Last month, the Chargers parted ways with Jefferson to have him hit the free agent market once again this offseason.