Jeff Backus
T, Michigan · 2001 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #18 (DET)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
T (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 191 of ~192 possible regular-season games from 2001 through 2012 (~99%). Last NFL season: 2012.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Michigan: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.37 40-yard dash at 310 lbs: faster than 15% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 191 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 12 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 61 |
| Last NFL season | 2012 |
The 2001 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2001 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 310 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.37 s |
| Bench press | 25 reps |
| Vertical | 27" |
| Broad jump | 99" |
| 3-cone | 8.27 s |
| Shuttle | 4.67 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
Picked around him 2001 redraft
| 15 | Rod Gardner | redraft #72 |
| 16 | Santana Moss | redraft #13 |
| 17 | Steve Hutchinson | redraft #6 |
| 19 | Casey Hampton | redraft #11 |
| 20 | Adam Archuleta | redraft #58 |
| 21 | Nate Clements | redraft #22 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.