Curtis Jacobs 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Penn State LB

Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23) pressures West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) during the season opener at Beaver Stadium on September 2, 2023, in State College.

NFL Transition

Jacobs displayed intriguing versatility due to his ability to play stacked and on the outside as a coverage linebacker and edge pass rusher. At Penn State, he was used in multiple ways and in different schemes because of his ability to play off the ball in coverage, make plays sideline to sideline and rush the passer as a blitzer or edge rusher. 

He has an explosive first step and corner ability as a pass rusher in sub packages, and he is a good blitzer in pressure schemes. Jacobs has good closing speed to run down plays on the edge in pursuit to defend the run and quick pass game. 

He’s most effective as a downhill penetrator who eludes blocks with movement because he struggles to disengage from blocks in the run game (limited power/strength to fight through blocks). Jacobs has questionable vision and feel for route concepts as a coverage defender. He needs to improve his understanding of coverage concepts.

Overall, Jacobs is an intriguing prospect because of his ability to contribute in various ways on defense and special teams. Jacobs will initially provide good depth and contribute on special teams, with the possibility of seeing action in some sub-package schemes due to his versatility and athleticism. His skill set projects him to be best as a weakside LB who can utilize his good movement to make plays in space vs. the run and pass.

Other Notes

Jacobs came out of Maryland as a four-star recruit and was the nation’s 60th-ranked OLB recruit. He had more than 1,000 receiving yards his senior season in high school, totaling 24 receiving TDs, and was invited to the Under Armour All-American Game prior to go to Penn State.  

Jacobs started his last three years at Penn State and was a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. He finished his career with 171 total tackles, 24 TFLs, 9.5 Sacks, two INTs and five PBUs.

In the last couple of seasons, Jacobs’ versatility was on display with his ability to get off the ball, stacked on inside and outside the box, and on the ball as a blitzer or edge pass rusher. 

In 2022, Jacobs had 110 snaps in which he rushed the passer, which is a good amount for an off-the-ball LB in just 12 games. He generated pressure on 14 of those plays, with four Sacks and a forced fumble. 

In 2023, Jacobs had 53 snaps where he rushed the passer, and he generated pressure on 11 of those plays with 2.5 Sacks and a forced fumble. He was more efficient in generating pressure per pass rush but used less in 2023.