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2016 Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: William Jackson III, CB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Aaron Lesher

William Jackson III, CB
School: Houston | Conference: AAC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 185 lbs.
Projected Draft Round: 2nd - 3rd
NFL Comparison: Kevin Johnson

College Statistics

Player Overview
A 3-star recruit, Jackson began his career at Trinity Valley Community College before transferring to the University of Houston in 2013. Jackson possesses good height and overall length for the cornerback position, with his frame lending itself best to a boundary corner role in the NFL. At Houston, he was the clear top dog on the defense and drew the opposing team's top wideout in coverage. Jackson reportedly earned a 3rd-4th round grade in last year's draft, but declined to enter as an underclassman to finish out his college career. Betting on himself looks to have paid off, because his best statistical season came in 2015, where he recorded 34 solo tackles, 5 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) and an outstanding 23 passes defensed. With a solid Combine showing in Indianapolis, Jackson could cement an early Day 2 pick in this year's Draft.

Strengths

  • Possesses the size, length, and speed to be a man-to-man corner in the NFL
  • Aggressive and passionate on the field, flying to the ball to make the tackle or bat/intercept passes
  • Showed leadership ability as a senior to lead defense against a bowl game upset of #9 Florida State
  • Routinely shut down opposing team's number one receiver


Weaknesses

  • Can be exposed by receivers with short-area speed; gave up multiple big plays on tape against jukes and double moves
  • Violently throws himself at the ballcarrier rather than wrapping up and tackling; got away with some of it in college, but can lead to personal fouls and broken tackles in the pros


Tape


Media Buzz

Fit On The Redskins
I think WJ3 would fit well on the Redskins. He has the length that both McCloughan and DC Joe Barry are looking for in the secondary to play both press-man and off-man coverage. He's certainly raw, but aggressiveness, instincts, and ball skills can't be coached - technique can be. While not much is known outside the scouting community about his personal character - since he's a relatively under-the-radar prospect - his leadership on the field is evident. His floor at this point is a 3rd round pick simply due his prototypical size - but if Jackson runs well at the Combine, he could be gone in the early 2nd round. Depending on the Redskins' offseason moves, Jackson could see significant minutes in the 2016 season as the 3rd/4th corner behind Dunbar, Breeland, and Culliver.

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