2018 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting every first round selection

The Oakland Raiders found out the hard way what happens when their offense sputters. They get blown out. Quarterback Derek Carr had a tough season, as did receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. That lack of productive on the offensive side of the ball was magnified by a porous secondary that finished 25th in the league against the pass.

Corners Travis Carrie and David Amerson were not able to slow down opposing wide receivers. An infusion of young talent is necessary if the team wants this unit to take a step forward in 2018. They won’t be able to do much better than Iowa’s lock down corner Joshua Jackson.

Winner of the 2017 Jack Tatum Award given to the nation’s best defensive back, Jackson led the nation with 25 passes defended and finish tied for the most interceptions, grabbing seven. He registered two pick sixes as well. His heroic defensive efforts earned him recognition as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, also given to the nation’s best defensive back.

Standing 6-foot-1 and just under 200 pounds, Jackson will slide right into a starting role from day one. He’s the perfect fit to play on the outside and arguably the best true corner in this class.