Jabril

Cox

Well, that certainly isn’t ideal. Tolbert is a candidate to be dropped in re-draft leagues. Also inactive are WR Michael Gallup (ACL), LB Jabril Cox, S Israel Mukuamu, CB Nahshon Wright, S Markquese Bell, and DL John Ridgeway.

Dallas has drafted defensive players with its first six picks for the first time in franchise history. Improving the team’s disastrous defense is clearly a priority headed into the 2021 season. Cox (6'3/232) was a three-year starter at North Dakota State (FCS All-American in 2018 and 2019) and a one-year starter at LSU who was a Butkus semifinalist last fall. Cox, 23, is arguably the class’ most accomplished cover linebacker. He picked off six passes and deflected 18 at NDSU, and had three interceptions (including the pick-six below) and five deflections last season in the SEC. He played corner and safety in high school. A long, sleek linebacker with high-end speed and the slashing agility of a running back, Cox’s movement skills show up in the run game, with tackle charts that look like Pollack abstractions, blots everywhere. Cox is a speed-and-space cover ace who struggles between the tackles but makes plays outside.

Cox (6'4/231) did not run during LSU’s first Pro Day due to a hamstring issue, instead leaving that until a couple days before the draft in order to heal properly. In addition to the 40-yard dash, Cox recorded times of 4.42 seconds in the short shuttle and 7.12 seconds in the three-cone shuttle. According to Pauline, there’s a chance that Cox could sneak into the back end of the second round. He’s viewed by many to be a Day 2 selection, so if Cox’s name isn’t called during the second round, it likely will be in the third.

Cox (6'4/231) was unable to take part in drills during Wednesday’s team pro day due to a nagging hamstring issue. Per Pauline, though, LSU is scheduling a second pro day for closer to the draft. Cox will hopefully be ready to roll by that point in time. The Tigers linebacker is a potential Day 2 selection for later this month. Pauline views Cox as a top-75 prospect.

After enjoying an excellent career at North Dakota State, Cox (6'2/233) made the decision in the spring to make the move to the SEC. While the transfer to LSU hasn’t worked out for the redshirt senior when it comes to team success he’s remained on the radar of NFL scouts and decision-makers. Cox currently ranks third on the team in total tackles (31) and second in tackles for loss (4.5), and he also has an interception return for a touchdown to his credit. Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline recently gave Cox a third-round grade on his updated big board, so there’s a chance that the linebacker hears his name called at some point on Day 2 of next spring’s draft.

For those who are familiar with Cox (6'2/233), who announced his transfer to LSU after a stellar career at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, Miller’s assessment doesn’t come as a surprise. The reigning FBS national champions lost a lot at the linebacker position, most notably K’Lavon Chaisson and Patrick Queen, and Cox will be asked to step in immediately to help shoulder the load. “Cox will clearly be LSU’s top Sam or Will right away. He’s a super-fast — he could run in the 4.4s — 233-pound linebacker with instincts,” Miller wrote. “Think Patrick Queen, but probably better in coverage.”

Assuming Cox completes the transfer process, he will be eligible to play right away in 2020 as a graduate. Cox (6'2/233) was a stud linebacker at the FCS level and led an Bison defense to another FCS title in 2019. With LSU losing their top three linebackers in Patrick Queen, Jacob Phillips, and Michael Divinity Jr., picking up Cox through the transfer portal is a huge get that solves one of LSU’s key vacancies for 2020.

247Sports coming through with this tidbit. The exact date when Cox will take his check-in with the defending champs is not immediately clear. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker entered into the transfer portal at the beginning of March. This past season, he logged 92 tackles (9.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, an interception, six passes defended and five quarterback hurries in helping NDSU to yet another FCS title.

Cox (6'3/233) being in the transfer portal is big news, as he has been one of the top defenders (and overall players) at the FCS level the last couple of seasons. During the Bison’s run to yet another national title, the redshirt senior amassed 92 total tackles (9.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks), one interception, five quarterback hurries and six pass breakups. As a grad transfer, Cox will be eligible to play immediately at his next stop if he goes through with a transfer.

While Buchanan is keen on the 6-foot-3, 233-pound Cox’s overall athleticism, he would like to see the redshirt junior perform more evenly on the whole. The analyst writes that Cox “needs to become a little more consistent as he will make big plays and then just be a guy (on other reps).” This past season, Cox logged 49 tackles with three sacks and a hearty four interceptions. Buchanan hit the linebacker up with a Round 4/Round 5 grade at the beginning of January.