Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Eddie Jackson, S

Eddie Jackson, S
School: Alabama | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 201 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Duron Harmon

College Statistics

Player Overview

Eddie Jackson was considered a potential first rounder early last season before he broke his leg. Jackson has the athleticism and instincts for the position and was looking to improve on a stellar junior season. Jackson showed impressive range athleticism and physicality in 2015. I did not see the same player in 2016. While Jackson has versatility in being a threat as a returner there was an obvious regression in his skills as a safety. I will speculate nothing but I did not see him flying all over the field like his 2015 tape shows and I have included both years so you can compare. Jackson is projected as a third round pick right now and depending on how he does at Alabama’s second pro day he could rise. In the third round, he presents good value if he can return to his 2015 play and improve.

Strengths

• Good size for the position and good athleticism.
• Offers extra value with his return ability.
• Sees the ball and usually puts himself in a good position to make a play.

Weaknesses

• Consistency issues abound, in one game he’s laying guys out in another he wants no part of tackling. In one game he’s reading the QBs eyes and making plays in another he never even turns his head.
• Not physical enough to consistently bring down ball carriers consistently goes on 3-4 yard rides after contact. Needs a lot of technique work.
• Injury history includes a torn ACL and broken leg in three seasons.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Honestly, Jackson is the hardest profile I’ve done to date. I was excited to put in the 2016 tape aware of his skills pre-injury but I didn't like much of what I saw. I look at the 2015 tape and it's almost like watching a different player. I can give my two cents but it almost feels like Jackson deserves to get an incomplete grade because the consistency aspect of his game is all over the place. On one hand, you could be getting another solid Alabama safety that can patrol the middle and top half and deliver a hit who also can return punts and kicks for you. On the other hand, you could land the one Alabama safety prospect that breaks that recent trend and jogs to the play and gets dragged for 5 yards when making contact.

Jackson has enough talent to be a late day two early day three gamble for the Redskins but I think the problem is you’re not sure of the player you’re getting and that's scary when talking about a senior. I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with me as Jackson is held in high esteem around here but I don't see it. Right now I’d draft him with the assumption that he will be a contributor and gradually get better over the years but I wouldn't count on him being a starter.