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NFL Draft 2017: 5 most underrated prospects to keep an eye on

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 19, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) makes a second quarter catch against Navy Midshipmen linebacker Justin Norton (5) to break the all time FBS record tying catch for receptions against the Navy Midshipmen at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) makes a second quarter catch against Navy Midshipmen linebacker Justin Norton (5) to break the all time FBS record tying catch for receptions against the Navy Midshipmen at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Safety Eddie Jackson was having a great 2016 season before it came to a screeching halt this past season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The senior safety broke his leg returning a punt against the sixth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies in Alabama’s eighth game of the season.

Jackson added punt returning to his abilities after a strong 2015 season with the Crimson Tide. Jackson returned 11 punts for 253 punt return yards and two touchdowns before breaking his leg back on October 22.

The safety was an AP All-American and first-team All-SEC selection during his junior season. He recorded 46 tackles, six interceptions (first in the SEC), two interception returns for touchdowns, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery through 15 games in 2015. Despite winning a National Championship, he returned to school for his senior season.

Since breaking his leg, Jackson missed the Senior Bowl as well as workouts at the NFL Combine, minus the bench press. He’s being overlooked a bit since declining to run the 40-yard dash at Alabama’s Pro Day on April 12. But his explanation was he hadn’t trained to run it. However, he still remains one of the best safeties in a deep draft class.

Jackson still put up reasonable numbers in 2016 on defense before his broken leg. He had 24 tackles and a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown. With plenty of time to get his health back in order, look for him to make noise on whatever teams give him his opportunity.

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