NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Running Back Targets
By Erik Schlitt
Darius Jackson of Eastern Michigan, was the sleeper in this draft until he blew up his workout at Michigan’s pro day. Jackson’s unique combination of speed and power is getting him noticed nationally.
Darius Jackson’s measurables:
5’11 ¾” 220 pounds
40 = 4.35, that’s real fast, the average 40 for a 220 lb back is 4.65
3-Cone = 6.82, this is another very impressive, this quickness level is a tick below Abdullah and better than Riddick and Zenner
Short shuttle = 4.27, this is right around the average for a NFL RB and solid for his weight.
Vertical Jump = 41”, Broad Jump = 11’1”, this an elite level of explosion
Bench Press = 20, this is a solid number and just above average for a running back
So what do these numbers tell us?
Jackson has a rare combination of size, speed, quickness and explosion. His scores are excellent for any running back but when you factor in his weight he has some major appeal. His explosion numbers (bench, vertical and broad jump) are above average.
He ran his 40, .3 faster than what is to be expected for a back of his size. His agility markers (3-cone & short shuttle) are faster than average. When you combine his speed, agility and explosion numbers, and then factor in his weight, he has the most dynamic speed set of any running back in this draft.
Rewatching some Darius Jackson/RB/EMU after his awesome pro day piqued curiosity. There's a lot to like. https://t.co/lA66JG2Evi
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) March 21, 2016
Stats
Over 12 games (11 losses), Jackson carried the ball 208 times for 1078 yards (5.2 average), and 14 touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 201 yards (9.6 average), and 2 touchdowns. These aren’t overly impressive numbers but when you consider they were playing from behind most of the season, it’s not hard to understand how he would be underused either. In Eastern Michigan’s game against LSU, they were over matched, yet Jackson managed 19 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Draft guru and Sidelionreport.com contributor Jeff Risdon published his own detailed write-up on Jackson, which you can view: Here. Jeff is a highly respected draft analyst and he gives us a quality look at Jackson.
Initially thought of as an undrafted free agent, Jackson has worked his way into the draftable conversation. When you put together a body of work like Jackson’s, even limited, he is now more than likely to find his name called on day three of the draft.