Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Texas A&M at Alabama

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates his punt return for a 79yd touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates his punt return for a 79yd touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Eddie Jackson
Senior
Safety
#4
6’0″, 195

Projected Round: 2

When Landon Collins (New York Giants) left for the NFL in 2014, it created a need at the strong safety position in Alabama’s defense. Nick Saban, who has a history of successfully moving cornerbacks to safety positions, asked Eddie Jackson to make this switch and help solidify the secondary.

In 2015, Jackson showed leadership and a nose for the ball. Jackson finished the season with 46 tackles, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble. He also accounted for six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Here’s a look at his pick six vs Texas A&M:

Even though Jackson is currently playing strong safety in Saban’s defense, his experience at cornerback has made him capable of playing free safety in the NFL. You can see in the video above how comfortable Jackson looks playing center field.

Biggest Strengths:

  • sideline-to-sideline coverage ability
  • excellent vision to take efficient angles to the ball
  • above average agility

Biggest Weaknesses:

  • average tackler
  • needs to control speed while in pursuit
  • positional experience

How he fits in Detroit

Like with Texas A&M’s Justin Evans, Jackson would be an instant upgrade in the Lions secondary. If Bob Quinn passes on a strong safety in round one, Jackson would provide Detroit with an exciting potential day two alternative.

Home/Detroit Lions