When it comes to the NFL Draft, buzz can be just as valuable as production, depending on who you ask. Sometimes, all it takes is one respected voice to shift a player's perception — and in the scouting world, changed perception can often turn into momentum. This dynamic could be a soon reality for Alabama LB Justin Jefferson, who received a public nod from senior NFL reporter Albert Breer just a day before drills are set to commence at the 2026 NFL Combine.
Breer didn't mince words when urging NFL teams and talent evaluators to "keep an eye on" Jefferson when talking about which linebacker prospects are "expected to tear up the 40" the moment his position group goes under a microscope to participate in field drills, including the the 40-yard dash tomorrow from 3 PM - 8 PM ET, airing live on NFL Network.
.@AlbertBreer says to keep an eye on Alabama LB Justin Jefferson & Cincinnati LB Jake Golday.
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 25, 2026
“Both are expected to tear up the 40.” pic.twitter.com/TASqF87Nfk
Albert Breer expects Justin Jefferson to 'tear up' the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine
To NFL franchises, I don't think this is casual commentary; instead, I think Breer's endorsement is a signal to front offices, scouts, and fans that evaluators are digging deeper. But in my opinion, those shovels won't have to dig too deep if they start at the base of the Alabama football program when asking Kalen DeBoer and Tide director of sports performance David Ballou who publicly noted that Jefferson hit 22 mph in team tracking data last August, which for a 226-pound linebacker is "not normal". Ballou even added that Jefferson "can run with the defensive backs," highlighting his rare straight-line speed for his position group.
This speed was evident when watching the 5th-year senior display sideline-to-sideline quickness over the last two falls, where he totaled 144 total tackles, including 79 solo stops, 6 pass deflections, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
After taking all that into context, with Breer's highlighting endorsement, along with Jefferson's athletic profile, many evaluators are projecting the Alabama LB to clock in around the mid-to-high 4.4s to 4.52 range, which would be elite to above average speed for a player at his position, depending on how he finishes.
If Jefferson does, then he could raise his stock from a day three to a potential day two pick, with speed traits to match his physicality that defensive coordinators would be in love with overnight. This is why the coming days are important for Jefferson, like many of the 11 other Alabama prospects who aim to solidify their player profiles to NFL front offices in Indianapolis.