**Position:** DB
**College:** Illinois State
**Height:** 6’3”
**Weight:** 215 lbs.
**Accolades:** Reese’s Senior Bowl Participant
**Background:** Since first joining Illinois State back in the spring of 2021, Jackson has left his mark on the Redbirds program. Appearing in 39 games over his four-year career, Jackson logged 225 total tackles, defended 13 passes, intercepted five throws and even got in on 5.5 sacks. He has registered a pick six in each of the last two seasons. Jackson has been cornerstone for ISU’s secondary from the safety position and helped lead the team to the FCS playoffs last fall.
**Strengths:** Perhaps Jackson’s strongest attribute as a back end defender is his physicality. He is not timid when it comes to bodying up receivers in pass coverage or when meeting ball carriers head on. Jackson flies to his target and hits hard when he gets there. He often will out muscle opponents in one-on-one situations to make a play on the ball and is an very effective tackler.
Jackson’s stride is also one of his biggest assets. His tall stature allows him to have longer strides when running down the field. He stays with receivers well and is able to get into prime position as or before the ball arrives on pass plays in his direction. That long stride also helps him crash to the middle of the field quickly to help in run coverage as needed. He is also able to make plays in the backfield occasionally due to his ability to close space fast. His long legs are also complimented by a lengthy wingspan which helps him to make get hands on the ball before the receiver can.
Spatial awareness is another trait that Jackson possess in spades. He is a very instinctive player, not only knowing where his target is and will be but also how to use the sideline to his advantage in outside coverages.
**Weaknesses:** Concerns about Jackson’s ability to smoothly adjust his body and change direction have been expressed by some scouts. He sometimes struggles in following his targets through quick cuts and will need to improve upon his ability to change his hip direction. On occasion Jackson can be juked out of position by quicker and savvier wideouts.
**Final Analysis:** Jackson, seen by several to be a high-priority undrafted free agent back at the start of winter, has used this offseason to his full advantage to help raise his draft stock. His great size and reach is something that has put him on NFL scouts’ radars. He is excellent in run coverage and has proven to be more than capable as a pass defender as well. Having pro coaches help him improve his fundamentals of following routes will give him a pathway to be an eventual starter.
**Projected Selection:** 7th Round (Day 3)