Can Chad break the Gators WR Curse?
 

I don't follow the Gators. The media's rationale for why Gators WRs don't work out in the NFL is because 'the WRs drafted before them didn't work out'. Does anyone have some more in-depth opinions on how Spurrier's and Meyer's offenses are run, and why we should think that Chad Jackson is going to be NFL worthy based on his time in Meyer's system.

Does anyone know if Jackson can run decent rhoutes, and why he had low Yards After the Catch? I saw some news coverage on him that suggested he doesn't use his body correctly after the catch, and doesn't turn upfield sharply enough. I think this was a big knock on him in the draft.

Does anyone have a technical analysis on this kid?

I say he can. Hes part of a new coach with Gators..Meyer changed everything up. His low ypc was because he wasnt used properly..he was used as inside guy and ran mostly short patterns that are 5 - 10 yards. His route running is great..its not that he cant do what he needs to..its that he improvises a lot..changes it up a little but BB, Brady and Troy Brown can definatley help with that. His hands are great, his speed is great, he can make all the catches..tough ones easy ones..none of the ex Gator WRs really worked hard..they all did the same in their friendly system and got success..Jackson was forced to work harder..adjust from using his speed to turning into a possesion guy inside and didnt get much deep action. BB loved him..wanted him in first very likely if we hadnt taken Maroney but he slipped to 2nd..a steal
strengths

Has excellent size...Is an outstanding natural athlete...Has very good speed and quickness...Is explosive with a burst...Runs well after the catch and in the open field...Has solid and reliable hands...Runs good routes...An excellent leaper...Not afraid to work the middle of the field...Can be a vertical threat...A weapon in the red zone...Has not yet reached his full potential and still has a lot of upside.


Weakness: Didn't really emerge as a top threat until just this past season...Basically only has one year of starting experience...Needs to get stronger...Is not very physical or aggressive...Can improve as a blocker...Was not a major deep threat as a junior...For the most part the recent top Gator wide receiver prospects (Travis Taylor, Reidel Anthony, Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, etc.) have disappointed.


Final say: A well-rounded and talented prospect who possesses all the physical tools you look for in a #1 NFL wideout.

So he can be a deep threat if used differently..which he will. He can do inside work and catch shorter..can go over middle..hes strong but needs to be a more aggresive and get more physical with the corners so he doesnt get jammed and such and hes got great body control

One aspect of Meyer's system/Jackson's game is that the WR's are required to pre-read the defense, which applies to the Patriots' system as well. My understanding is that he runs good routes, too.

no he doesnt. thats his weakness.

it was always like this
Holmes=better routes
Jackson=better hands

he rounds cuts..take different angles..improvises..needs to sink hips a little getting out of a route

Darrel Jackson anyone?

Do you suppose Urban Meyer talked BB into acquiring Caldwell?

Do you suppose Urban Meyer is secretly running the Patriots, and the BB and SP we see are actually body doubles of the real ones, tied up in the bowels of the Razor?

Darrell Jackson is not cursed with ideal size, so he can actually make a cut.

It's a non issue. The issue was with Spurrier WR, not Florida WR. The team he played for and the uniform he wore are irrelevant. If he'd been with Spurrier for 4 years then it would be a valid concern. As has been noted, Belichick specifically like Urban Meyers' WR as they have to do more reading and reacting than the average college WR.

Here is the skinny on the wide receivers in the 2006 draft according to one sportswriter. He actually has Jackson rated ahead of Holmes.

http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/stats.asp?slug...-LGNS-WRCAPS-R

Can Jackson break the mold? Yes. He was coached up in Urban Meyer's system, not Spurrier's. Urban Meyer WRs actually need to do pre-play reads against the defense. That will help C. Jackson immensely in helping him learn the Pats pro offense. And as far as physical tools, Jackson has superior size and speed to Holmes.