Could “Lucky” Jackson be 2020’s Steven Sims, Jr.?

Dontavion “Lucky” Jackson, WR
School: Western Kentucky | Conference: Conference USA
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22 (?)
Height / Weight: 6’1” / 185 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Round 7 or UDFA
NFL Comparison: Darius Slayton

College Statistics

Player Overview

Western Kentucky is rarely, if ever, mentioned in the same breath as the perennial college powerhouses, but nevertheless, it has been a reliable producer of draft-worthy talent, including Tyler Higbee (TE, 4th round), Taywan Taylor (WR, 3rd round), and Forrest Lamp (OG, 2nd round). Despite missing out on a Combine invite, Jackson is another potentially draftable commodity out of Bowling Green.

Snubbed by the Combine, Jackson was able to hold his own Pro Day in March where he posted ridiculous numbers. His 4.39 40 would have been tied for 5th fastest at the Combine among WRs, while his 3-cone of 6.6 and shuttle of 3.97 would have been first.

Jackson finished his career as second in school history in several categories behind Taylor, including single season receptions (94) and career receptions (209). In 2019, he was named first team All-Conference USA, and capped off his season as the MVP of the First Responder Bowl, where he had 17 receptions for 148 yards and a TD [highlights below].

Strengths

• Blazing fast. Rarely caught from behind.
• Good hands.
• Good movement in space. Creates separation with change of direction.
• Great short area quickness.
• Played best on the biggest stage.
• Can be utilized in the run game, in jet sweeps.

Weaknesses

• Played against lesser competition.
• Once wrapped up, goes down fairly easily.

Let’s See His Work

Pro Day Results

40: 4.39

3- cone: 6.60

20 yard shuttle: 3.97

How He Would Fit

Ever since the Redskins snagged Steven Sims, Jr. as an undrafted free agent last year, I’ve been fascinated with how they managed to find him, and how he avoided everyone else’s radar screen. Sims is still very much a work in progress at the NFL level, but his future looks bright. Sims appears to have been missed largely because Kansas was terrible while he was there, and he didn’t happen to put up eye-popping numbers. He did have key traits that stood out: sneaky fast, good route runner, bright. Jackson - overlooked, at least in part because of his pedigree - appears to be even faster, quicker, and bright as well. If the Redskins are looking for another late round/UDFA diamond in the rough, Jackson could absolutely be their guy.