2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Jesse Luketa
- Position: Linebacker
- School: Penn State
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 253lbs
Film Watched: Indiana 2021, Auburn 2021, Senior Bowl
Pro's:
- Tone setter. Rarely outmatched for strength or competitiveness
- Rocked up frame that oozes power
- Tenacious taking on downblocks, stopping opponents in their tracks on contact
- Huge, strong arms allow him to dictate terms through engagement. Displaces blocks at ease
- Violent pop when looking to stay clean of contact
- Brutal hitter who forces ball carriers to make business decisions
- Wingspan allows him to make tackles outside of his frame effectively
- Slippery when targeting the backfield – effective blitzer with plenty of experience rushing the QB
Jesse Luketa is a DE prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 4.55 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 779 out of 1428 DE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/SnngOBtRy2 #RAS pic.twitter.com/iN34T8zutB
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 25, 2022
Con's:
- Intuition in pass coverage not close to matching the smarts he shows in run defense
- Doesn’t show the same speed in pursuit as he does attacking the pocket
- Limited fluidity; most notable when dropping into his zone & breaking on the ball in pass coverage
- Man coverage versus tight ends or running backs will test his change of direction ability
- Just half a sack in his Penn State career, despite being tasked with pocket penetration often
The Verdict:
“Considering Jesse Luketa lined up as an edge rusher nearly as often as he did a standup linebacker, his lack of sacks and TFL’s suggests that blitzing might not be his forte at the next level. Fortunately for the former Penn State enforcer he possesses other traits that will be coveted at the next level. Not many prospects in this draft class can match Luketa’s physicality - he relishes taking on downhill blockers, absorbing their momentum and disposing of their attention when the ball comes his way. Able to fill gaps and arrive with venom, running backs won’t enjoy seeing him over the line of scrimmage, but when it comes to pass coverage he’s best given a small portfolio of work. Luketa projects best as an early down SAM linebacker with added value as a key special teams contributor.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: RAEKWON MCMILLAN
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5