J.J. Weaver LB/EDGE Kentucky | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
J.J. Weaver LB/EDGE Kentucky
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
PLAY STYLE: MULI-ROLE LB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.69 seconds (56%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 23.0 DOB: 11/30/2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PLAY STYLE: MULI-ROLE LB | |
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.69 seconds (56%*) | |
Age: 23.0 DOB: 11/30/2001 | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 75.0 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
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80% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
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77% |
Pass Rush: |
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77% |
Run Defense: |
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77% |
Coverage: |
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77% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#361
Position rank:
#32
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College Games: 57 College Snaps: 2404 | ||
College Combine Results
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Andre Jones - Louisiana |
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86% |
Tyrus Wheat - Mississippi State |
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75% |
Durell Nchami - Maryland |
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66% |
Draft Profile: Bio
J.J. Weaver, a standout linebacker from Kentucky, has made his mark as a versatile defender over his four-year collegiate career. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Weaver was notably born with six fingers on his right hand, a unique physical trait. He emerged as a force on the Wildcats' defense, overcoming real challenges including the loss of his father to homicide and his high school coach to cancer.Throughout his time at Kentucky, Weaver amassed impressive statistics, including 165 tackles, 32.0 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks across 48 games. His impact extended beyond the field, as he was twice named team captain and earned recognition on the SEC Community Service Team. Weaver's journey included overcoming a torn ACL in his right knee during his redshirt freshman season, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Weaver's senior season in 2023 solidified his status as a defensive playmaker. He recorded 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks, earning him a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. His performance against Louisville, where he forced and recovered a crucial fumble, earned him co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and the Governor's Cup MVP award.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Versatile chess piece capable of playing EDGE or off-ball linebacker, offering defensive coordinators multiple alignment options
- Refined pass-rush arsenal including speed-to-power bull rush, shoulder dip, and long-arm techniques, creating consistent pocket disruption
- Exhibits advanced hand-fighting skills when engaged, allowing for efficient stack-and-shed against blockers
- Demonstrates savvy as a stunter, timing his movements to create confusion in protection schemes
- Sets a firm edge in the run game, particularly effective when taking on pulling blockers
- Possesses prototypical length for the position, disrupting passing lanes and increasing tackle radius
- Two-time team captain with extensive special teams experience, indicating high character and positional value
- Consistent year-over-year production improvement, showcasing developmental trajectory
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite get-off and twitch off the snap, limiting ability to consistently win with speed around the edge
- Hip tightness and average change of direction skills hinder effectiveness in space and pursuit angles
- Frame lacks ideal bulk for position, leading to anchor issues against power-blocking schemes
- Below-average short-area quickness affects ability to react to misdirection and zone-read plays
- Inconsistent play strength at the point of attack, particularly noticeable against top-tier competition
Scouting Report: Summary
J.J. Weaver profiles as a rotational edge defender with scheme-specific value in a 3-4 system. His positional flexibility and refined pass-rush techniques suggest potential as a sub-package player and special teams contributor. Weaver's length and hand usage allow him to set the edge effectively, but his lack of elite athleticism may limit his ceiling as an every-down player.In passing situations, Weaver's diverse rush plan and ability to drop into coverage make him a valuable chess piece. However, his average explosiveness and lateral agility could be exploited by more athletic tackles and elusive backs in space. To maximize his effectiveness, Weaver will need to continue developing his functional strength and leverage techniques to overcome his athletic limitations.
Teams running multiple fronts will value Weaver's ability to play both with his hand in the dirt and standing up. His leadership qualities and special teams experience add to his draft appeal. With proper coaching and scheme fit, Weaver has the potential to carve out a role as a situational pass rusher and run defender in specific packages, with his versatility providing depth across multiple positions in an NFL front seven.
Written By:
Bill Miller (SEC)
J.J. Weaver percentiles vs other Linebackers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate J.J. Weaver (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
615.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
59.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.