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Jake Ferguson NFL Draft Profile
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Jake Ferguson Scouting ReportFerguson has intriguing athletic traits that were visible even in high school. He recorded a 4.73 40-yard dash and a near 35-inch vertical before his frame was fully developed, and that athleticism was on full display in 2020. Ferguson has solid straight-line explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, and his long strides help him gain speed quickly. He also possesses enough long speed to challenge linebackers in intermediate and deep zones, along with some lateral finesse when running after the catch. Beyond his speed and explosiveness, Ferguson is above-average at changing directions relative to his frame. Additionally, he’s proficient playing the ball in the air. The Wisconsin TE has stellar body control in mid-air and often proactively seeks out the ball with his hands. Furthermore, his vertical athleticism and smoothness allow him to rise and high-point passes in stride. Ferguson has an adequate athletic foundation, but how does he complement that with execution? Even after three years as a starter, Ferguson is still a work in progress regarding the game’s finer points. Despite this, the Wisconsin TE has some appealing operational qualities. As a pass catcher, Ferguson’s hands have their moments. He does have a few drops on his résumé, but those are often associated with inaccurate passes. Generally, and particularly in the red zone and other high-pressure situations, Ferguson flashes the focus and strong hands to haul in passes while airborne. He also fights through contact at the catch point and isn’t fazed in contested situations. |
Areas for ImprovementFerguson’s best plays generate a lot of excitement, but the Wisconsin TE still has work to do. Especially as a blocker, Ferguson is fairly inconsistent. He doesn’t always have the necessary strength to sustain blocks, and he doesn’t generate much movement against larger defenders. Ferguson gets knocked off balance easily due to his relatively light frame and can sometimes take faulty angles. As a receiver, Ferguson shows room for improvement. He plays with a high pad level and doesn’t always display torso and hip flexibility. His route running isn’t exceptionally sharp or detailed; many of his assignments involve simple flat routes or advances into the seam. Ferguson can improve his route running, but his traits aren’t especially conducive to natural separation, either. Ferguson isn’t an overwhelming run-after-catch threat, and his feet can be heavy in open space. He’s not a very sudden or twitchy player and largely lacks elite athletic traits. Finally, overall consistency is a question for Ferguson. For example, 3 of his 4 touchdowns in 2020 came in one game. That said, it’s worth noting that a second season with Graham Mertz at QB may result in statistical improvement.
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Jake Ferguson Career at WisconsinFerguson redshirted his first season at Wisconsin. He’d worked hard to reach 230 pounds before weigh-ins, but there was still more acclimation that needed to occur before Ferguson was ready for playing time on Saturdays. Thus, he sat on the bench throughout the season, learning and preparing for the opportunity that was to come. In 2018, starting tight end Troy Fumagalli entered the NFL Draft, where he was taken in Round 5 by the Denver Broncos. His departure paved the way for Ferguson to earn an increased role on the offensive side of the ball. Ferguson emerged as a key contributor for the Badgers in 2018. The Wisconsin TE put up 36 receptions for 456 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning a place as the team’s second-highest leading receiver. In 2019, he reprised his role and accumulated 407 yards and 2 scores on 33 catches. And in 2020, Ferguson again returned as the No. 1 tight end, logging 30 catches for 305 yards and 4 scores.
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Jake Ferguson NFL Draft Player ProfileFerguson’s production decreased in 2020. Then again, he and Wisconsin played just half the amount of games as the year prior. Ferguson only played in seven contests and still managed to put up comparable numbers to previous campaigns. The Wisconsin TE is clearly trending up heading into 2021. And with Mertz returning under center, that comfort and familiarity will yield high expectations. Ferguson has established himself as a valuable college tight end. But does Ferguson’s NFL Draft scouting report translate to the next level? Upon study, he possesses enough size and athleticism to earn a role as a receiver, but he’ll have to keep refining his game if he wants to carry his current target share in the pros. He has one more year to do it, and then NFL teams will make their evaluations.
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