2018 NFL Draft: Josh Jackson could make immediate impact in NFL

Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson is one of the most pro-ready players in the 2018 NFL Draft. Could he be the first defensive back off the board?

More: 2018 NFL Draft preview, player profiles and latest mock drafts

There are not many players in football on the defensive side of the ball that can take a game over and single-handedly provide spark after spark for a football team. Yet, that is exactly what Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Joshua Jackson did in 2017.

For starters, Jackson led the entire NCAA in interceptions on the year with eight and came in third in total interception yards at 168. He had two multi-interception games and even posted a two-touchdown game against Wisconsin late in the season. The former wide receiver also put up 48 total tackles on the year.

What was most impressive about Jackson’s 2017 campaign was his ability to turn games around and step up when it mattered most. One of the more notable upsets of the entire year was when the Hawkeyes knocked off the Ohio State Buckeyes 55-21 in a game that ultimately turned out to be the fate for the Buckeyes when it came to the College Football Playoff. In that contest, Jackson had three interceptions off Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett and was the sole catalyst for the defense that kept the Buckeyes puzzled all game.

The following week Jackson accounted for all of the Hawkeyes’ points in their 38-14 loss at Wisconsin as he returned two Alex Hornibrook interceptions for touchdowns.

Strengths

It is evident by Jackson’s numbers in 2018 that he excels at ball-hawking. His vision, paired with his speed, allow him to see plays in advance and make a move before the offense- usually the quarterback- can even detect where he is going.

During his biggest performances of the year against Ohio State and Wisconsin, Jackson showed two different ways of finding the ball. Against Ohio State, it appeared he was all over the field- running with Barrett and keeping his eyes on him while the Hawkeyes defense gave him pressure. He had interceptions in all sorts of schemes, with his most impressive one coming in a long ball down the sideline.

Against the Badgers, Jackson used his athleticism and perfect timing to step in front of passes on the outside and give himself a lane to return it for a touchdown. NFL teams will be drooling over Jackson’s height and size and his ability to track down balls in the defensive backfield.

Weaknesses

With all the focus on Jackson’s ability to cover receives and pick off passes, NFL teams will really be wondering how well he can tackle, especially up front in the trenches. Not known for his aggressive tackling, Jackson may be asked to run defensive schemes where he is up in the box and not on the outside covering a receiver.

Certainly 48 tackles is nothing to look down upon, especially coming from a corner back, but having that extra asset to offer at the professional level can only improve his stock.

Next: Latest pre-Combine first round NFL Mock Draft

Draft Expectations

Many people might not be taking Jackson’s ability all too serious and because of that, some NFL team might end up with the star cornerback in a slot they were not expecting to see him at. Jackson has the skills to be the first defensive back off the board and with his phenomenal junior season to look back on, do not be surprised if this holds true.

Prediction: No. 11 – Miami Dolphins