Receiver-defensive back who also competed in sprints and hurdles as a New Jersey prep. Arrived at Notre Dame as a wide receiver in 2010 and saw action in 13 games as a true freshman. Returned 29 kickoffs for 645 yards (22.2-yard average). Also recorded 10 special-teams tackles. In 2011, was primarily used on special teams as he made the conversion from wide receiver to cornerback, appearing in 13 games. Had 18 tackles, including seven on special teams, and returned three kickoffs for 32 yards (10.7). Ran the 60-meter high hurdles for the Notre Dame track team during the 2012 indoor season. In the fall, he moved into a full-time role in the secondary, starting 13 games at cornerback and tallying 65 tackles, four pass breakups and four interceptions with 1.5 tackles for loss. Played all year with a torn right labrum, which required off-season surgery. Started all 13 games in 2013 and registered 64 tackles, three pass breakups and two INTs with five tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Scored his first touchdown for the Irish on a 34-yard interception return against Purdue. Team captain.
Receiver-defensive back who also competed in sprints and hurdles as a New Jersey prep. Arrived at Notre Dame as a wide receiver in 2010 and saw action in 13 games as a true freshman. Returned 29 kickoffs for 645 yards (22.2-yard average). Also recorded 10 special-teams tackles. In 2011, was primarily used on special teams as he made the conversion from wide receiver to cornerback, appearing in 13 games. Had 18 tackles, including seven on special teams, and returned three kickoffs for 32 yards (10.7). Ran the 60-meter high hurdles for the Notre Dame track team during the 2012 indoor season. In the fall, he moved into a full-time role in the secondary, starting 13 games at cornerback and tallying 65 tackles, four pass breakups and four interceptions with 1.5 tackles for loss. Played all year with a torn right labrum, which required off-season surgery. Started all 13 games in 2013 and registered 64 tackles, three pass breakups and two INTs with five tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Scored his first touchdown for the Irish on a 34-yard interception return against Purdue. Team captain.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Intriguing height and athletic ability. A former WR, he has good hands to intercept. Demonstrated explosion and lateral agility at the combine, recording impressive marks in the vertical jump (38 inches), broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.00 seconds). Tough and durable. Has special-teams experience. Has leadership traits and solid football and personal character.
WEAKNESSES Could stand to bulk up and get stronger. Weak jam to hem and reroute. Still honing technique and instincts as a cornerback. Tends to react instead of anticipating. Choppy transition. Allows too much separation too often. Leaky tackler. Ordinary production on the ball.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 4-5
BOTTOM LINE Looks the part and has developmental value given his athleticism and desirable makeup, but did not take a significant step forward as a senior. Has traits to contribute initially on special teams while he works on becoming a more well-rounded cornerback.
Combine numbers were very good except for the bench. If he can get stronger and improve his tackling, perhaps he can stick. I would've taken Exum last round instead of the LB.
“He’s a corner with some length,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said of Jackson. “He’s got to get stronger. He’s got some pretty good movement skills. He’s not an elite speed guy so he’ll have to use his length on the outside to compete. I think he’s probably going to be a mid-to-late pick.” Link - ( New Window )
the "Richard Sherman Effect" permeating the NFL? I like his profile and his upside but I'm not sure about CB. Mayock is saying he might be a safety in the future?
Maycock: came as WR was so good on specials he played his way to defense. Thinks he's a ST and eventually safety or "long press corner". Will need a couple of years to develop his body.
Eisen noting we took 7 captains. Brooks saying Falcons like to take captains.
He didn't have a great year, I would definitely say that. Torched a lot is stretching it but he was far better the previous season. I was not a huge fan of Diaco's bend but dont break defense
"BOTTOM LINE Looks the part and has developmental value given his athleticism and desirable makeup, but did not take a significant step forward as a senior. Has traits to contribute initially on special teams while he works on becoming a more well-rounded cornerback."
Well the Practice Squad needs a captain, too. I'm guessing that is where he will be in the absence of a host of injuries.
Receiver-defensive back who also competed in sprints and hurdles as a New Jersey prep. Arrived at Notre Dame as a wide receiver in 2010 and saw action in 13 games as a true freshman. Returned 29 kickoffs for 645 yards (22.2-yard average). Also recorded 10 special-teams tackles. In 2011, was primarily used on special teams as he made the conversion from wide receiver to cornerback, appearing in 13 games. Had 18 tackles, including seven on special teams, and returned three kickoffs for 32 yards (10.7). Ran the 60-meter high hurdles for the Notre Dame track team during the 2012 indoor season. In the fall, he moved into a full-time role in the secondary, starting 13 games at cornerback and tallying 65 tackles, four pass breakups and four interceptions with 1.5 tackles for loss. Played all year with a torn right labrum, which required off-season surgery. Started all 13 games in 2013 and registered 64 tackles, three pass breakups and two INTs with five tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Scored his first touchdown for the Irish on a 34-yard interception return against Purdue. Team captain.
Link - ( New Window )
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Intriguing height and athletic ability. A former WR, he has good hands to intercept. Demonstrated explosion and lateral agility at the combine, recording impressive marks in the vertical jump (38 inches), broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.00 seconds). Tough and durable. Has special-teams experience. Has leadership traits and solid football and personal character.
WEAKNESSES Could stand to bulk up and get stronger. Weak jam to hem and reroute. Still honing technique and instincts as a cornerback. Tends to react instead of anticipating. Choppy transition. Allows too much separation too often. Leaky tackler. Ordinary production on the ball.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 4-5
BOTTOM LINE Looks the part and has developmental value given his athleticism and desirable makeup, but did not take a significant step forward as a senior. Has traits to contribute initially on special teams while he works on becoming a more well-rounded cornerback.
HE'S A TEAM CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!
Link - ( New Window )
Eisen noting we took 7 captains. Brooks saying Falcons like to take captains.
He didn't have a great year, I would definitely say that. Torched a lot is stretching it but he was far better the previous season. I was not a huge fan of Diaco's bend but dont break defense
And Mayock said all the players drafted are tough guys.
And some speed.
We don't have a round later.
"BOTTOM LINE Looks the part and has developmental value given his athleticism and desirable makeup, but did not take a significant step forward as a senior. Has traits to contribute initially on special teams while he works on becoming a more well-rounded cornerback."
Well the Practice Squad needs a captain, too. I'm guessing that is where he will be in the absence of a host of injuries.
Then it should have been the round after that!
Jerry Reese on Bennett Jackson: "We think he’s on the come, has some upside"