What about Chad Jackson?

[dhamz]

I think whether he makes the team or not will be determined in camp. His draft position is irrelevant these days. If a player beats him out on the field, the Pats will move on.

 

[Seneschal2]

I agree with that statement, but the funny thing about Bethel is he actually contributed really well as a returner. Where Jackson has done squat. I kept hoping, but once I heard he has maturity issues like Bethel I have given up hope.

Even though they both returned kicks -- they're not what we'd consider naturals in the return game. They just happen to have that 4.3 speed which comes in handy especially on KOs.

No doubt Bethel was drafted to be the primary kick returner, with the additional hope to also stretch the field as a receiver.

Jackson I seriously doubt was selected to return kicks. He had the very clear potential to be (at the very least) -- the #2 receiver. Excellent size/speed and terrific hands. Unfortunately, injuries and the rookie learning curve set him back. But now healthy, he's had plenty of time to learn the playbook and work on his route running (w/ and w/o the ball).

We could have a very special offense if Jackson steps up. This is a golden opportunity for him now with Moss taking on doubles. I hope he realizes how fortunate he is...

 

[cstjohn17]

if the pats draft a WR in ANY round, i will be extremely pissed

I am sure BB will get a read on your feelings before submitting any draft selections. Please be sure he has your cell phone so the draft process does not get slowed down...

Seriously, I have been wrong about their drafts more than I have been right... a lot more.. but this years draft is not top heavy but is quite deep in rounds 3-5. if the Pats can pick up a WR that can contribute on special teams (kick\punt return) they may take a shot. Jackson only has 2 years left on his rookie deal, if they can get the same production from a cheaper player they bye bye Chad.

 

[BelichickFan]

if the pats draft a WR in ANY round, i will be extremely pissed

I wouldn't overstate it too much.

Moss and Welker sure.

But Gaffney signed a one year contract. This time next year he could be gone. I like Jackson but we can't count on him. Same for Washington as a WR. If we were to draft a WR he would be past the usually tough rookie season for WR and hopefully ready to go next year.

Aiken we know almost for sure is a ST only guy. Washington could be too. I don't expect a WR to be drafted but I could see it.

 

[BelichickFan]

Jackson I seriously doubt was selected to return kicks. He had the very clear potential to be (at the very least) -- the #2 receiver. Excellent size/speed and terrific hands. Unfortunately, injuries and the rookie learning curve set him back. But now healthy, he's had plenty of time to learn the playbook and work on his route running (w/ and w/o the ball).

We could have a very special offense if Jackson steps up. This is a golden opportunity for him now with Moss taking on doubles. I hope he realizes how fortunate he is...

No doubt it's all there for Jackson. There were reports last year he was frustrated and thought he wasn't being told the truth about his playing time but, let's face it, it was a deep group last year.

As S2 said, he should be 100% and he certainly should know the offense. Moss was somewhat of a mentor to him last year and he's back. It seems a long time ago now but in the rookie camp when he was drafted, Maroney looked fine but it was Jackson who really flashed impressive athleticism. He needs to get his mind right, show up ready to work and have two good years before he becomes a FA.

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

We all understand that this would be CJ's first healthy offseason with the Patriots, correct? This will be his first chance to go through an entire strength and conditioning program with them. It will be his first chance to be healthy for an entire training camp. It will be his best chance at making some sort of an impact. Let's not throw him under the bus just yet.

 

[VJCPatriot]

We all understand that this would be CJ's first healthy offseason with the Patriots, correct? This will be his first chance to go through an entire strength and conditioning program with them. It will be his first chance to be healthy for an entire training camp. It will be his best chance at making some sort of an impact. Let's not throw him under the bus just yet.

I really have hopes for Chad Jackson. I just haven't seen anything yet. Let's hope he shows ups at camp ready to impress and earn minutes from the get go.

 

[SavioKid]

No doubt it's all there for Jackson. There were reports last year he was frustrated and thought he wasn't being told the truth about his playing time but, let's face it, it was a deep group last year.

As S2 said, he should be 100% and he certainly should know the offense. Moss was somewhat of a mentor to him last year and he's back. It seems a long time ago now but in the rookie camp when he was drafted, Maroney looked fine but it was Jackson who really flashed impressive athleticism. He needs to get his mind right, show up ready to work and have two good years before he becomes a FA.

Nice summary there BF...let's hope he has the 'hunger' attitude which I think he will.

As far as earlier person(s) being pissed if Coach B drafted a WR this year, I have to disagree begrudgingly since its obvious of the defense's needs over the offense. But Coach B / Pioli have seemed to NEVER draft based on need & have a pretty good track record. So, if there is great value in rd 3,4,5.. on a WR then they should since, like someone else said, Moss has 3 years max / Gaffney is not a primary WR / Washington is more of a special teams guy...a lot of ifs in the long term.

 

[SWelker]

If Jackson makes it through all of training camp healthy, he will be a factor this upcoming season, there is too much talent for him not to be able to catch balls for this team. He hasn't shown a capability to stay healthy yet, so that is the big question mark at this point. Entering his 3rd season, if he doesn't know the playbook yet, I think Belichick would have cut him already. He knows what he has to do, its all about staying healthy and doing his job.

 

[brdmaverick]

remember how we traded up with the Packers to get Chad Jackson?

Too bad we didn't stand pat and take Greg Jennings instead.

 

[DaBruinz]

Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney and we sign Sam Aiken...


I don't know...

Sam Aiken is primarily a special teams player, where as, Jackson, who was recovering from an ACL injury, should be in the mix for the receiver spot opposite Moss.

 

[VJCPatriot]

remember how we traded up with the Packers to get Chad Jackson?

Too bad we didn't stand pat and take Greg Jennings instead.

Jennings has played pretty good in Green Bay. Jackson was higher rated at the time. Jennings has actually been healthy though and it's hard to predict the future. Hopefully Chad will have his breakout in year 3.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=9638

 

[italian pat patriot]

Will he be in the team next year?

wellcome back Fonsy ! you disappeared for a while (a long one)
how is life ?

Chad Jackson will make the team (imho) and i hope he will have 'his year'

 

[F0nSY]

wellcome back Fonsy ! you disappeared for a while (a long one)
how is life ?

Chad Jackson will make the team (imho) and i hope he will have 'his year'

I always read this board. What about ya, Italian patriot?

 

[jeffbiologist]

Well someone here mentioned Chad not having a chance to prove himself yet... What I remember is him coming into rookie camp late and out of shape and blowing out his hammy his rookie year. He was recovering from that when he got his knee banged. What I see is a very stiff reciever, a younger version of Moss without the head and the hands. Straight speed wont work in this league, and unless he is more elusive he will find himself injured again.
I think the KW as a ST experiment went well, BB usually uses extra roster spots for DB STers. Either he makes an additional spot at wr this year, has KW as the 5th WR, Aiken might be here only to push KW for a roster spot. If we draft a guy he will need to be a returner....and he and KW and Aiken will likely be battling for 2 spots. That said I dont want to see CJ returning kicks for us, he is a accident waiting to happen.

 

[BelichickFan]

What I remember is him coming into rookie camp late and out of shape and blowing out his hammy his rookie year.

If you have anything to back that up I'd love to see it because that's not how it happened. He hurt his hamstring before training camp (that's not the same as "late and out of shape") and like many hamstrings it was tough to come back from although he certainly flashed at times in the early part of the season.

He was not late and out of shape. He was hurt and not as mature, maybe, as he could have been.

 

[PatsFanJess]

I really like Chad, I honestly hope that this is his breakout year. His injury history is a major concern though. I remember watching some of his workout during the combine and he injured his finger. He can't seem to walk in a straight line without getting hurt. Hopefully that changes because I'm impressed by his potential.

 

[RayClay]

If you have anything to back that up I'd love to see it because that's not how it happened. He hurt his hamstring before training camp (that's not the same as "late and out of shape") and like many hamstrings it was tough to come back from although he certainly flashed at times in the early part of the season.

He was not late and out of shape. He was hurt and not as mature, maybe, as he could have been.

Never heard a thing about him being late, or out of shape, that I recall.

 

[BelichickFan]

Never heard a thing about him being late, or out of shape.

I think the "late" thing was just about him not being at practice but that's because he hurt his hamstring the week before camp. I guess people like to make things up. He wasn't on the practice field so he was late. He pulled his hamstring so he was out of shape.

 

[otis p. driftwood]

I think the "late" thing was just about him not being at practice but that's because he hurt his hamstring the week before camp. I guess people like to make things up. He wasn't on the practice field so he was late. He pulled his hamstring so he was out of shape.

Didn't he pull the hamstring in a team exercise, like someone said "all rookies sprint 50 yards NOW" kind of thing? Seems to me I remember something like that. And of course, he hurt his knee playing freakin' special teams in the AFCCG against the Colts, the selfish bugger...

There are indeed lots of people who love to make stuff up, and even more with selective ears and memory.