Pats show interest in this WR...

[Seneschal2]

Anyone who's followed the practice sessions of the East West Shrine game and Senior Bowl will be familiar with this guy: Wolverine-slayer has Pats on the mind

The fastest man in the draft, Appalachian St. WR Dexter Jackson was one of the first prospects into the media room this morning.

He said he plans on running the 40-yard dash in the 4.22-4.3 range and has garnered a lot of interest from the Patriots. If New England were to take the 5-9, 182 pound burner, he likely would serve primarily as a return specialist, but he seems intent on finding his way onto the field as a slot receiver, as well. Wes Welker has that spot locked up for the Patriots, but imagine the damage he and Jackson could do if Bill Belichick found a way to get them on the field at the same time.

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I'd draft him in a heartbeat -- regardless of his size. He's exactly the type of player that BB covets. One who has a productive career, then follows up with impressive performances in not one -- but two all-star games. He's already a good route runner, catches everything, and may be the draft's fastest player. Read on...

From various sites:

Explodes out of cuts, snatches the ball even at awkward angles, and finishes plays like he can get to the house each time he touches the ball.

Dexter Jackson's undersized, but his performance at the Senior Bowl puts him above guys of similar build, including Dorien Bryant. With a low 4.3, Jackson figures to be drafted as a return specialist as well as a receiver.

Jackson displayed terrific route-running skills and reliable hands. Early in the day he made an acrobatic 40-yard reception for a touchdown.

Said one longtime AFC scout: "Jackson's only 5-9, but he's an excellent route runner and he pretty much catches anything close to him. If he can show something in the return game, someone's gonna have a nice player."

Jackson carried his East-West success to his Senior Bowl debut. He was quicker than most cornerbacks and was able to get separation. He caught the ball extremely well.

Jackson continued his impressive play from last week's Shrine Game, looking impressive in his cuts and catching everything in sight with quick hands. On one play, he stretched out to catch a low tracer over the middle. Despite how he has been characterized, Jackson is not significantly smaller than other receivers in this draft like Harry Douglas and Dorien Bryant. And he has outperformed them.

"He's impressed a lot of people here," said the scout. "He's not that big, but his speed is pretty remarkable, and he appears to have excellent hands."

[c_nice_37]

Where's he projected to go? I could see spending a #3, but not sure of a 2 because we do have LB / CB needs.

I have always thought that in recent years we could really use a true return specialist, and not Faulk / Maroney / Pass, etc.

[ctpatsfan77]

Originally Posted by c_nice_37

Where's he projected to go? I could see spending a #3, but not sure of a 2 because we do have LB / CB needs.

I have always thought that in recent years we could really use a true return specialist, and not Faulk / Maroney / Pass, etc.

Well, don't forget the Pats have #62 and #69.

[DaBruinz]

Jackson, because of his size, was seen as a 5th rounder. If he posts a 4.2-4.3, I wouldn't be surprised to see him jump into the end of the 2nd or 3rd round.

Especially with the success that Devon Hester has had as a return man.

I wouldn't be upset if the Pats took him at #69. I think he'd be a great return man for the Pats and would allow the Pats to not use Hobbs on returns or put him and Hobbs out there and watch it be even more deadly than its been.

[VJCPatriot]

I'd say a 3rd round pick at highest for a return specialist.
The Ravens took a return specialist WR with their 3rd round pick, Yamon Figurs, and he made a big impact on special teams for them.

[DaBruinz]

Originally Posted by VJCPatriot

I'd say a 3rd round pick at highest for a return specialist.
The Ravens took a return specialist WR with their 3rd round pick, Yamon Figurs, and he made a big impact on special teams for them.

He's just not a return specialist. That's what you don't understand. He's a quicker version of Wes Welker. Extremely good hands, and great route-running. If the Pats have Moss, Welker and C. Jackson, then Dexter Jackson would easily be the 4th. And, honestly, he could make like hell for opposing teams if he was on the field with Welker and Moss.

[VJCPatriot]

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

He's just not a return specialist. That's what you don't understand. He's a quicker version of Wes Welker. Extremely good hands, and great route-running. If the Pats have Moss, Welker and C. Jackson, then Dexter Jackson would easily be the 4th. And, honestly, he could make like hell for opposing teams if he was on the field with Welker and Moss.

That's high praise indeed. But it's a lot easier to say this guy is the next Wes Welker than for him to prove it. Even you didn't know Wes Welker would be Wes Welker in Pats uniform. Unless... you predicted he would get 110+ catches in our system, which I doubt you did. If Dexter Jackson is as good as Figurs was as a returner, that will be worth the 3rd round pick, anything on top of that is gravy imo.

[Mr.Muhozi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeuCmr5dfns

a highlight reel of him, he seems to bea good player, and a steal if we get him in the 3rd-5th round

[dryheat44]

I don't recall Belichick using many picks on non Div 1-A players. Certainly not a high one. Frankly, I don't see the value. I'd rather take a guy like Donnie Avery or Lavelle Hawkins, who have the same skill set, but were productive against top competition.

[DaBruinz]

Originally Posted by VJCPatriot

That's high praise indeed. But it's a lot easier to say this guy is the next Wes Welker than for him to prove it. Even you didn't know Wes Welker would be Wes Welker in Pats uniform. Unless... you predicted he would get 110+ catches in our system, which I doubt you did. If Dexter Jackson is as good as Figurs was as a returner, that will be worth the 3rd round pick, anything on top of that is gravy imo.

While I didn't predict 110 catches in our system, I was touting the signing of Welker months before other people because he reminds me of Wayne Chrebet and Troy Brown.

That being said, its the people in the know touting Jackson's hands and route running and speed. Jackson's size is what compares him to Welker.