2025 NFL Draft: Jah Joyner Scouting Report

The 2025 NFL Draft is now just days away, and NFL teams are getting ready to make the picks that will set them up for the future. Since there are only a certain number of slots for players to be drafted in the draft, teams will want to make the most of their draft picks. There is one guy who is teetering on the edge of being drafted or being an undrafted free agent. That player is Minnesota Golden Gopher Jah Joyner.

2025 NFL Draft: Jah Joyner Scouting Report

Measurables

Height-6’4”
Weight-262
Arm Length-34”
Hand Size-9 3/8”
40 Yard Dash-4.60 seconds
10-Yard Split-1.67 seconds
Vertical Jump-30”

Accolades

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2023,2024)
Academic All-Big Ten (2021,2024)

Player Introduction

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were able to be a bit more competitive on defense thanks to the play of Jah Joyner.

Joyner played his high school football and Danbury High School in Danbury, Connecticut. He had a stellar high school career and ended up with the Golden Gophers up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He did not play in 2020 but played a total of four games in 2021 in a reserve role. Joyner was in a reserve role again for all 13 games in 2022. He managed to earn one start in 2023 and started in all 12 games in 2024.

Joyner’s stats for his college career include 42 games played with 66 total tackles, with 35 of those being solo. He recorded a total of 16.5 tackles for loss for a total of 113 yards lost. He had 14.5 sacks for a total of 108 yards in losses, nine passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumbles recovered.

If you look at Joyner, he is kind of all over the place. He has good moments and bad ones, but either way, he’s going to be a project player that someone picks up and rolls the dice with. There is a good bit of clay there to mold, and in the right situation, he just might be able to have an impact in the league.

Strengths

There are some things to like about Joyner. He has some interesting pass-rushing moves that are still being developed, but could work for him in the future. Joyner has an extra gear that seems to turn on once he sees the play develop, and he can catch up somewhat quickly. Joyner has long arms and keeps on going until the whistle blows. He has an explosive first step off the line, which can throw offensive tackles off. He has powerful hands that help keep offensive tackles off balance and struggle to hold their ground.

Joyner doesn’t appear to break down the further he goes into the game, but instead, gets stronger and more alert. He’s tough to counteract in the latter parts of the game. One of the smartest defenders on the Golden Gopher squad, Joyner, not only has a high football IQ but also a serious nose for the football. Finally, he has some decent mechanics, which, when combined with his pass-rush ability, could make him a situational pass rusher in the league. At the least, he will be an effective special-teams player.

Weaknesses

When it comes to defending against the run, Joyner struggles. He has some issues with gap integrity in the running game. When going after the ball carrier, he will sometimes lose that integrity. Mechanics are a little raw, and he needs to get some polish on his pass rush moves. Joyner could stand to add a little strength to his upper body. He might be more of a middle-of-the-line pass rusher than an edge rusher because he struggles shooting off the edge and working his way towards the quarterback.

He needs some help with his footwork, and he struggles to stay balanced. When things get moving and the action is at its height, his hands are inconsistent. Joyner doesn’t have a lot of room to grow and may be close to his peak. But maybe a good defensive line coach can get much more out of him.

Team Fits

Almost every team in the NFL needs good special-teams players who can back up a prime position on offense or defense. It’s most likely that Joyner is going to have to make his impact as a special-teams player and then work his way into the lineup as a pass rusher, likely situational. He could come in and backup a prime player, relieving them for a rest in a passing situation, if he can make the active roster.

There are teams that would fit Joyner best. Those who operate a 4-3 defense would likely fit his skill set. A few of the teams out there who could use his services, and run a 4-3 defense, include the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Draft Projection

Some team is going to latch onto Joyner, and he will likely get drafted. If he doesn’t, he will likely be a priority free agent. He’s got speed and he’s got talent, but he’s a little raw. In a draft loaded with pass rushers, and with Joyner being one of them, someone is sure to take him on and try to see what he can do.

Late 5th to 7th round