Lamb gives scouting report for how to beat Eagles. Be sure to follow NFL Draft Lounge for more scouting report coverage, as well as more on Drake Jackson. Moments of above-average upper-body strength. NFL Scouting Combine 2022 tracker: Measurements, top individual performances from NFL Draft prospects . Do you agree they are better prospects than CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, Hendon Hooker and Anthony Richardson? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When tasked with being the primary edge-setter, Jackson just doesnt have the strength and technical refinement to get the job done. Jackson needs to get better at using his pass rush moves and cycling between them, for one. Unfortunately for the USC OLB, the 2021 college football season didnt live up to expectations for him or the Trojans. Thats one reason why Jackson would be a great fit in Dallas. Needs more Leverage in his game. He currently struggles to read offensive tackles and can, consequently, employ ill-advised pass-rush moves. Hes also been impactful in all three phases of defense pass rush, run, and coverage. Decently explosive. The Trojan star is difficult to touch when he employs head fakes, jab steps and body language to force an offensive lineman into false steps. Hes very intentional with his foot placement and has exceptional bend to get around tackles, which he pairs nicely with his top-end burst. By Tony Pauline April 24, 2022 Jump around this article Click to show Struggles to gather himself when flying around the edge. Currently, he sits as the 61st overall player on the Pro Football Network Top 300 Big Board. Born on April 12th in Corona, California, Drake Jackson was a standout athlete at Centennial High School. Per The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Jackson began at USC as a 275-pound defensive end before moving to outside linebacker and playing at around 240 pounds as a sophomore. Every year banners go up around downtown Indianapolis with pictures of the draft class's biggest prospects ahead of the scouting . Reacts well to draw plays and misdirection, sniffs out screens to his side of the field. His size can be an issue in the run game, where bigger tackles are able to entirely remove him from the game pretty consistently. Boston Colleges Jaiden Woodbey Is Less Tweener, More Swiss Army Knife, Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa | NFL Draft Scouting Report, Michael Jefferson, WR, Louisiana | NFL Draft Scouting Report, Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Draft Prospects To Target at NFL Combine Include Anthony Richardson, Dawand Jones, and Marvin Mims, NFL Mock Draft 2023: Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Rodgers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Daron Payne Trades Impact Round 1. Lateral Agility: Effortless. Heading into the 2021 season, many expected Jackson to compete with fellow Pac 12 EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux for the top pick in the draft. When hes lined up inside the defensive line, his stunts have a wide arc, putting him behind the eight ball when penetrating the pocket. Enter your email address to subscribe to NFL Sapient and receive notifications of new articles and analysis through your email. However, as Jacksons scouting report indicates, the former DE-turned-OLB has the athletic upside and pass-rush weapons to be an impactful player in the NFL. A detail of the NFL Scouting Combine logo at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March . Round 2, Pick 61: Drake Jackson, DE, USC The 49ers have one of the last picks in the second round, and as many as 10 edge rushers from Michigan's Aiden Hutchinson to Penn State's Arnold. There are plenty of instances where Jackson gets to the quarterback solely because he gets off the line quicker than anyone else. I was impressed with how he played in the passing game. Jacksons all-around skill set gives him the versatility to play 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end at the next level. He can sometimes be quelled by bigger offensive tackles and didnt show much of a bull rush. Jackson has a great athletic profile and some really positive traits to build on. Currently, hes excellent at pursuing in space. However, theres plenty of depth at the position for NFL front offices to sink their teeth into. Athleticism: Jackson plays with top-flight athleticism. Jackson will not be an early contributor in the NFL but has a lot of pass-rushing upsides and could be a mid-round steal if a team is able to unlock the potential he flashed as a true freshman at USC. NFL draft profile scouting report for USC outside linebacker, Drake Jackson HEIGHT: 6'2" WEIGHT: 254 pounds. However, Jackson badly needs to add playing strength and rarely looks like he has a pass-rushing plan other than using his athleticism and speed to beat offensive tackles. Additionally, Jackson was in danger of missing time in 2021 after another injury to his left foot but was able to start against Notre Dame following a bye week. Meanwhile, his shuttle (4.28 seconds) and three-cone (7.09 seconds) were also impressive. In 2018, the gifted pass rusher continued his impressive career. Odds & lines subject to change. The poor overall year for USC has distracted from what Jackson can be at the next level. For me, watching what Jackson did next for the Trojans, it hurt even more. Drake Jackson Scouting Report Having entered the season with a high level of expectation, Jackson has gotten lost in a deeply talented EDGE class. Nov 14, 2022 Nikko Buenavidez. Although not particularly flashy statistics for a pass rusher, it was just a precursor for more extraordinary things to come. Jackson further upped his performance in 2021 logging 6 sacks and 17 QB hurries while playing on 414 snaps Scouting Report: Strengths Fantastic closing speed timed at 4.5 secs in the forty - with long arms to drag down quarterbacks and running backs. Sign up for the Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) February. That should entice teams. Will start to give up on a play if the ball doesnt end up near him initially. The San Francisco 49ers went linebacker with their first pick this year, selecting Drake Jackson with the 61st pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.He played three seasons with the USC Trojans and played plenty of snaps at both defensive end and outside linebacker. In fact, Jackson was named to the 2020 All-Pac-12 second team, AP All-Pac-12 second team and Phil Steele All-Pac-12 second team for his second season. Jackson finished his freshman year with 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, both figures leading the team. His speed and quickness outside the tackle box needs improvement. Oops. Not much in the arsenal besides a basic rip-and-dip and a stab. Toronto, ON. In 2017, Jackson made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Juniors first team, All-CIF Division 1, Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area first team and All-Big VIII League Defensive Lineman of the Year. Jackson ended his sophomore year with second-team All-Pac-12 recognition for the second consecutive season. College: USC Class: Jr. Furthermore, hes the 10th-ranked EDGE player on our board. The former top-150 recruit started 44 consecutive games to end his career and was an All-SEC selection in both 2019 and 2020. To stand out during a pandemic while adapting to a new playing weight, position and defensive coordinator is no easy feat. The pass rusher still plays like a 275-pound defensive end. Struggles even to get off of tight ends. Hes played out of multiple stances from multiple alignments during his USC career. - Helped Corona. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota . As signing day approached, Jackson was reportedly choosing between USC and my own alma mater, Arizona State. His length makes him disruptive, and hes demonstrated the ability to bend around the corner. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Do Not register if you are not a part of the A's program. As mentioned above, Jackson needs to work on his pass-rush plan. During a senior year where he was named All-Big VIII League Co-MVP after racking up another 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 6 pass deflections, Jackson visited USC, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Jackson is also very good at reducing inside when tackles beat him to the edge, although that didnt happen very often in college. Plays very well in the passing game. Moreover, the star defender must learn to capitalize on soft shoulders when offensive linemen present them. @The99Athlete. Here is where USC's top prospects stand ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine USC linebacker Drake Jackson sacks Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis on Oct. 2 in Boulder, Colo. Jackson has. Press Esc to cancel. Former basketball player who committed to play both sports at USC before focusing on . There is a lot to like about Jacksons overall game but he is a very unrefined prospect at this point in his evaluation. CAREER BACKGROUND. Jackson has significantly bulked since we saw him on the field, and he projects as a threatening outside speed rusher at the NFL level. U kunt op elk moment uw keuzes wijzigen door naar Uw privacy-instellingen te gaan. BaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer. Height: 6'4" Weight: 255. In the 11th hour, it seemed as if the Sun Devils had stolen him right out from USCs own backyard, but Jackson had a last-second change of heart and stayed close to home. At a time when NFL teams will bank on athletic upside and the ability to coach up the rest, the USC OLB has an excellent base to work with. Jackson is primarily limited by his inconsistency. The 2nd play of the 4th quarter is tipped and intercepted by. Copyright 2020 Newsup. Needs to work on diagnosing runs and reaction time. With Jackson, though, its very easy to see his overwhelming talent shining through. The game ends, everybody celebrates or mourns, and next thing you know it's time for the Combine, free agency . In run defense, Jackson needs to add some strength. Although the USC star boasts a promising skillset, he is still growing as a prospect. Those are already impressive numbers, let alone for a true freshman. 61 overall pick. Further, he does a great job of reading and diagnosing read-option plays, as well as attacking the ball carrier quickly and efficiently. The comparison in relative athletic scores between Jackson and Khalil Mack offers a great idea of the kind of athlete Jackson is. The star center earned an invite to the Senior Bowl and received positive reviews playing against draft competition and fighting through a groin injury. Fantastic closing speed timed at 4.5 secs in the forty - with long arms to drag down quarterbacks and running backs. Going into his sophomore season with a new defensive coordinator and at a new position, Jackson dropped 20 pounds from his previously-listed 275. Thats his go-to move, but he also has an excellent spin move. Once he does, hell be a much more natural fit in the trenches, as opposed to being the sort of tweener he is now. As a result, he was expected to challenge Kayvon Thibodeaux at the top of the edge class in the 2022 NFL Draft. Two words immediately spring to mind to describe Jackson's abilities on the football field athletic and versatile. Although he projects as a true 3-4 OLB at the NFL level, Jackson has some versatility to his scouting report. This event is exclusive to the A's program. He has game-breaking potential. His athleticism and pass-rushing prowess should have him off the board early on Day 2. While there is plenty of athletic upside and things to love with Jackson ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, there are some clear concerns that are impacting his stock. Moreover, the California native has impressive power and leg drive. The talented pass rusher boasts special lateral agility and change of direction ability. I think he thinks hes more athletic than he is. Covers a good amount of area on the field, shows ability in pursuit, and makes a lot of plays in space. Today we look at a prospect that may not be getting enough attention in USC's Drake Jackson. Long, clunky strider as a pass-rusher. With ties to Mike McCarthy, free agent CB Kevin King could be an option for the Cowboys. In his debut against Fresno State, the new USC DE impressed with 1.5 tackles for loss and 2 pass deflections. Drake Jackson is a toolsy pass-rusher who may benefit a good deal from NFL weight training and coaching. Can work across the line of scrimmage quickly. Run defense is dependent solely on his initial punch. His hand usage is aggressive, which allows him to drive back offensive linemen or win on a regular-basis on the outside. Drake Jackson NFL Draft Profile Position: Outside Linebacker School: USC Current Year: Junior Height: 6'2 5/8 Weight: 254 pounds Wingspan: 82 5/8 Arm: 34 Hand: 10 1/8 Drake Jackson Scouting Report Having entered the season with a high level of expectation, Jackson has gotten lost in a deeply talented EDGE class. Dropped 25 pounds since his freshman season. After making an impact in his sophomore year, the athletic defender broke out in his junior season. Not smooth dropping off the line into space. While others have ascended, the USC OLB has fallen down the pecking order. Embed from Getty Images NAME: Drake Jackson. Another documented factor in Jackson choosing USC over ASU was the opportunity to contribute immediately. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State (Scouting Report) 3. . (59%*), 127 (C) His long arms allow him to clog passing lanes when tasked with coverage responsibilities. Jackson wins solely with speed alone at this time. Duke, the lone ACC program to sign a top-10 . Whats more, Jackson has fluid hips and powerful bend to work through half-man engagement. Jackson, who just turned 21 years old, produced 25.0 tackles for losses and 12.5 sacks over 28 games (26 starts) at USC. Gaffney's 5 Best Available for Day 2. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The USC OLB was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week following a performance against Washington State where he forced a fumble that the Trojans recovered for a touchdown. Good all-around athlete with very good short-area quickness and fluidity. (62%*), 34 Nick Bosa. He played at 275 pounds early in his USC tenure; illness saw him lose a lot of weight. Strong Points. Although his junior season may not have lived up to expectation, there is still significant NFL Draft interest in the USC OLB, with a reportedly high number of team visits during the pre-draft process. Drake Jackson has a lot of upside just for his athletic ability. His weaknesses are primarily a product of his weight, new role and new defensive coordinator. Needs to expand pass-rush arsenal. Cowboys draft 2023: Edge rusher Nolan Smith prospect profile. It's a good pitch to have, but that could be an issue if that's all he has, which is the case for now. The five-man unit of left tackle Dion Dawkins, left guard Rodger Saffold, center Mitch Morse, right guard Ryan Bates, and right tackle Spencer Brown was underwhelming to say the least. - Named The Press-Enterprise's Defensive Player of the Year and 2018 All-Big VIII League Co-MVP. Arm length: 34 Hand size: 10 1/8 Athletic testing 40-yard dash: N/A Vertical jump: 36.5 Broad jump: 127.0 The USC OLB struggles to set the edge in the ground game. Here's a scouting report and final grade for 2022 NFL Draft prospect Drake Jackson. In run defense, Jackson exhibits inconsistent play recognition and abandons his gap too often by penetrating early. Hell likely be asked to add strength and fill out his frame a bit more, but Jackson shouldnt have a problem making that happen with an NFL-level strength department. Drake Jackson 2022 NFL Draft Profile Jackson lined up as both a defensive end and outside linebacker in the Trojan's defense. Jackson has been successful in the past as an edge defender, and has the opportunity to get even better in the NFL. Oct. 1, 2021 4 AM PT. USC's Drake London has the potential to be that player this year. Jackson is an explosive player off the line of scrimmage that is able to beat his opponents out of their stance quite regularly. Photo Credit: john McGillen/USC Athletics, 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: USC EDGE Drake Jackson, 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Liberty QB Malik Willis, 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas A&M IOL Kenyon Green, Tyjae Spears Prepared To Show Out At 2023 NFL Combine, Jalin Hyatt Poised For Top Performance At 2023 NFL Combine, 2023 NFL Draft: Quarterback Position Rankings Pre-Combine, 2023 NFL Draft: Most Likely Landing Spots For Free Agency Quarterbacks, Eric Bieniemy And Commanders Should Focus On QB This Offseason, 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ohio State OT Dawand Jones, Excellent Quickness And Agility Off The Line Of Scrimmage, Possesses Some Of The Best Body Lean And Bend In This Class, Fantastic Timing With His Hands To Stun Offensive Linemen, Fails To Incorporate Spins And Twists Into Repertoire, Can Struggle With Change Of Direction In Coverage, Adequate Speed And Quickness To Attack Ball Carriers On Outside Runs. The 2023 NFL Draft will be the 88th annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible players. In 2020, Jackson proved he can succeed at this lighter weight. Drake Jackson (USC): 10'7" Jermaine Johnson . #99Pos: 3-4 OLBHt: 6035Wt: 254Hand: 1018Arm: 3400Wing: N/A40: N/ABench: N/A3-Cone: N/AShuttle: N/AVert: 36.5Broad: 1007DOB: 4/12/01Eligible: 2022Corona, CACentennial High School. Games watched: Stanford (2021), Washington State (2021), Utah (2021), Arizona State (2020). Great length. Drake Jackson 40 Time Jackson even has sufficient spatial awareness to operate in zone coverage; conversely, he has the requisite movement skills to handle man responsibilities underneath. . Its my belief that Drake Jackson best fits as a defensive end in the NFL. Quick in all aspects of his game, easily changes direction, and chases the action hard. W. By drafting Jackson, the 49ers addressed one of their biggest needs, adding a player who could be a bookend with Nick Bosa on the defensive line. Still just turned 21 years old and will heavily benefit from a single scheme and proper NFL coaching, Experienced as a defensive end in both odd and even fronts, Twitched up athlete who is incredibly quick off the snap, Can beat tackles using his pure speed and ability to dip his shoulders and swim inside, Great ankle flexion allows him to bend the edge and change direction in the middle of the field when dropping into coverage, Has a good radar that allows him to keep an eye on the ball through contact, Can be overwhelmed by bigger tackles and badly needs to add play strength, No real counters in his arsenal even though he will throw the occasional spin move, Lack of a power rush despite his ideal frame and length, Takes very wide angles when adjusting to offensive line blocking schemes mid-play, Production has stagnated since arriving as a true freshman. Offers a great athletic profile and some really positive traits to build on didnt much. 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