Josh Jackson (Iowa) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #45 by GB
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Josh Jackson (Iowa) - 2018 NFL Draft
Overview:
Josh Jackson was a standout cornerback for the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for his exceptional ball skills and playmaking ability. His performance during the 2017 college football season propelled him into the spotlight, making him one of the top cornerback prospects heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
- Ball Skills: Jackson led the NCAA in interceptions during the 2017 season, showcasing his ability to track the ball and make plays.
- Size and Length: Standing at 6'1" with long arms, he possesses the physical traits that NFL teams covet in a cornerback.
- Press Coverage: He demonstrated proficiency in press man coverage, able to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
- Football IQ: Jackson showed an understanding of offensive schemes, often positioning himself well to anticipate plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Footwork: While he has the size, his footwork can be inconsistent, leading to struggles against quicker receivers.
- Tackling Technique: Jackson needs to improve his tackling form, as he can be overly aggressive and miss tackles in the open field.
- Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were moments where he struggled against top-tier competition.
Draft Projection:
Josh Jackson was projected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His combination of size, ball skills, and production made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
Conclusion:
With his potential and playmaking ability, Josh Jackson was considered one of the top cornerbacks in the 2018 draft class. Teams needed to weigh his strengths against areas for improvement when deciding whether to invest a valuable draft pick in him.