@reamer @BaconGrundleCandy & anyone else.
Josh Jackson is someone I haven’t watched. What do you guys think about him as a scheme fit? From what I’ve heard he’s more a zone pass defense guy only. I know he’s elite at getting his hands on the ball and I think PFF gave him one of their best ever grades for a CB. Does he have value to us at this point or is scheme fit going to be too much of an issue?
4. JOSH JACKSON, Iowa (6-0 ½, 192, 4.54, 1-2): Came out of nowhere as a first-year starter in 2017. Led FBS in interceptions (eight) and PBUs (26) to become Big Ten defensive back of the year and earn consensus All-America honors. “What a player,” one scout said. “He didn’t run very good but I’m going to tell you, he can play. He’s got vision, instincts and hands like a wide receiver, which he was at one time. No wasted steps; plants and drives on the ball … if you’re going to line him up like the old Oakland Raiders, he’s not that guy.” Played mostly zone coverage for the Hawkeyes, then ran disappointing times at the combine and pro day. “Ridiculous ball skills to get interceptions,” a second scout said. “Some of the best I’ve ever seen. The concern is scheme fit. He probably would be better in a zone-heavy scheme where he can play off and just do the quarterback and can utilize his route awareness. As opposed to him lining up in press and having to deal with some of those burners on the edge.” Started just one of 26 games from 2015-’16 before declaring a year early. “Average run support,” a third scout said. “He’s a low tackler and doesn’t wrap up. I didn’t see a burst. They played a lot of zone and he used a bail technique. If he went to Tampa in the old days the guy would be fantastic. I don’t see a guy playing man.” From Corinth, Texas.
5. ISAIAH OLIVER, Colorado (6-0 ½, 197, 4.51, 1-2): Third-year junior, one-year starter. “He’s got a lot of skills,” said one scout. “Very athletic. Good length (33 ½ arms were the longest at the position). Really good in press. Off (coverage), he needs a lot of work. Not very strong. He might go in the first.” Elite track athlete in high school at Goodyear, Ariz., earning all-state honors in the decathlon. “He’s better playing the deep ball because he does have makeup speed and the ability to track the ball,” said a second scout. “Average instincts and inconsistent reaction to short and intermediate routes. Just average physicality in run support and as a tackler.” Finished with 71 tackles, three picks and 35 PBUs. “He won’t hit anybody but, boy, he’s got really good cover skills,” said a third scout. “He’s got to cover an outside guy. He can’t cover those inside slot kids.”
6. DONTE JACKSON, Louisiana State (5-10 ½, 176, 4.31, 2): Third-year junior started 24 of 37 games. “He’ll be a real good nickel,” one scout said. “He can run with any of them. Best thing that could happen to him is playing against Antonio Brown early and him getting the dog beat out of him. ****y as hell, which you want your corners to be. Not a bad kid. From a maturity standpoint, he needs somebody to embarrass him early. Doesn’t play with much technique because he’s so much more talented than the guys he’s playing.” Tied Ward for the fastest 40. “Reminded me of Philip Buchanan,” a second scout said. “He’s got that size and quickness. If he had size he’d be a top-5 pick. He is really good. Excellent one-on-one cover ability. Has problems against tall receivers.” Just seven reps on the bench. Arms were 29 1/2. “He’s not one of those trackmen with a track mentality,” a third scout said. “If they feel a bit of a twinge they don’t run or practice. No, this kid plays. The problem is, he gets run over a couple times by big backs or big linemen kicking out, I tell you, it just takes its toll on you. If you’re going to invest a high pick on him he might not be there by the end of the year.” Finished with 114 tackles, four picks and 24 PBUs. From Metairie, La.
7. CARLTON DAVIS, Auburn (6-1, 205, 4.51, 2): Third-year junior with 32 starts in 38 games. “He’ll be a solid press corner, not great,” one scout said. “He’s got that length (32 ¾ arms). It wouldn’t shock me if he ended up being a Pro Bowl corner like Nnamdi Asomugha. He’s got some of the same issues where he just doesn’t have loose hips and he’s not explosive in transition. He can (harass) you at the line. His biggest issue will be confidence. If he’s playing with confidence he’s a good player. If he gets beat a couple times he’ll lose. Mid-second round.” Finished with 138 tackles, four picks and 33 PBUs. Ran a disappointing time at the combine but was better at pro day. “He’s overrated,” a second scout said. “He’s one of those bigger, longer, stiffer type corners. You want to get him in space and go after him. I don’t think he can move.” From Miami.
