2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report: Drake Jackson

2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT

Pro's:

An exciting pass rusher who is mostly deployed on the edge as a stand up player.
He is explosive out of the stance with an immediate acceleration. Likely we’ll see Jackson used as a stand up OLB in the NFL.
Has athletic prowess which allows him to be a threat as a pass rusher off the edge and the interior.
He’s explosive out of the snap and has an insane change of direction.
Jackson’s long arms combined with an excellent closing speed allow him to bring down a quarterback by closing down the blind side or through the middle, often before they can escape.
Offers excellent versatility. Throughout college we have seen him line up as an OLB and as a defensive end – he could play either role very well in the NFL.
Jackson’s nimble footwork and good lateral movement allow him to operate in coverage and go up against tight ends.
Further to his versatility; he can line up as a MLB and cover in space.
His athleticism enables him to drop in coverage and hit the pocket hard.

Con's:

Jackson will need to improve his tackling ability. All too often he will unsuccessfully make contact, fail to wrap up and miscalculate tackles by taking bad angles.
Blessed with excellent athleticism however he hasn’t quite utilized the full abilities that he clearly has.
Can look overwhelmed when reduced inside. His smaller frame will need bulking up a little bit, especially if he is to make an impact as a 4-3 Defensive End.

The Verdict:

“A four star recruit out of high school who received 12 offers. Jackson narrowed down his options to USC and Arizona State before committing to the Trojans stating ‘I know I am going to be treated good here and they will make me the right man’. He was instantly named a starter for the Trojans as he racked up 46 tackles, led the team with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble. An impressive start to collegiate football earned him second-team All-Pac 12 honors and an honorable mention for the Pac 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. Despite a shortened 2020 season, Jackson continued to impress. He featured 6 times for the Trojans as he racked up 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception. For a second consecutive season Jackson received second-team All-Pac 12 honors. Despite a late season injury, Jackson impressed once again. He played 10 games for USC as he registered 37 tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss, 5.0 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also had an impressive pass-rushing grade of 87.7. An impressive season for the Trojans had seen Jackson receive second-team All-Pac 12 honors for a third consecutive season”

Luke Renton

NFL Draft Analyst

NFL COMPARISON: MARKUS GOLDEN

PREDICTION: SECOND ROUND PICK

Born & raised in Leeds but a big Man City fan, Luke is an avid fantasy football analyst, writing for other standout sites including BRoto Fantasy, KFantasy Sports and 5 Yard Rush. He will be providing nfl draft reports and fantasy articles for the touchdown throughout the season. Find him on Twitter @MCRsBlue!

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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report: Drake Jackson