Detroit Lions Draft 2017: Players Who May Fall to the Lions Third Round Pick
By Ash Thompson
Eddie Jackson, FS, Alabama
Eddie Jackson is an interesting prospect. In Alabama’s defense there were ten other draftable players on the field at all times, and their cornerbacks did not really need help. That left Jackson free to play center field and go after any balls were off target. Jackson began his college career at cornerback, and has the man coverage skills to line up over slot receiver in addition to his deep zone coverage acumen.
Jackson’s season ended with a broken leg, and he has been steadily moving online big boards. This happens every year with injured players, as online draftniks get more opportunity to watch the juniors that have come out. Jackson was unable to work out at the combine, and also missed Alabama’s pro day. The internet measurable hype machine has not had their opportunity to hold Jackson’s name up in praise.
Jackson’s immediate impact would be as a punt returner, where his skills are spectacular. With the ball in his hands Jackson is a delight. That brings me to the other way in which Jackson would impact the team. Getting the ball in to his hands is another area in which Jackson shines. His ability to find the ball in the air exceeds that of most wide receivers. Bob Quinn has said that he is looking for playmakers for the defense, and Jackson certainly qualifies. He had nine interceptions in his college career, and returned three of them for touchdowns.
In the third round Jackson would provide injury insurance for Glover Quin. He might give the team the option of moving on from the veteran next season. Quin is going to be 32-years old and a free agent next offseason. If contract negotiations do not go well Jackson could be the team’s answer at free safety.
Jackson is not perfect though. His production tailed off in his senior season, with only one interception. He is not a premier physical hitter, but he gets his target down. He would likely take on the team’s punt return duties as well as a rookie. Andre Roberts moved on to Atlanta in free agency, leaving a hole. Jackson would also be a better option than the string of bad players the Lions trotted out at nickel corner toward the end of the 2016 season. He is a versatile tool that Teryl Austin would have no trouble finding space for in his toolbox.