Lamar Jackson
Cornerback, Nebraska Cornhuskers
6-2, 206
40 time: 4.58
OVERVIEW
Jackson earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior, finishing among national leaders in passes defended (15), including a career-high three interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and set career-highs in tackles (40) and tackles for loss (4.5).
Jackson generated buzz at the Senior Bowl with his length and improved ball skills. His workout at the NFL Scouting Combine was a bit below average, as he barely cracked 4.60 (4.58) in the 40-yard dash.
ANALYSIS
A long-levered press corner, Jackson has the height (6-2), arm length (32 1/4 inches), physicality and awareness of the ball in flight to project as an NFL starter. Often gets a strong initial jab on receivers to disrupt their release but doesn’t rely on it, showing the lateral agility for side-shuffling as well as the pitter-pat backpedal to keep opponents guessing. He loses a half-step in his transition but accelerates smoothly once his hips turn, possessing good speed to handle outside duties deep downfield. He is an accomplished blitzer as well.
Jackson is likely position (outside corner) and press scheme-specific, limiting his fits at the next level. Like most corners of his size, he lacks elite fluidity and will struggle against shorter, quicker wideouts on underneath routes when he is unable to bully them at the line. While experienced in off-man and zone coverage, too often he arrives late, surrendering easy receptions because his feet get stuck in the ground out of his breaks.
PRO COMPARISON
Quincy Wilson, Indianapolis Colts — Like the 6-2, 193-pound Wilson, Jackson possesses the height and wingspan to simply swallow up receivers at the line of scrimmage. The battle-tested three-year starter has the look of an early NFL contributor, projecting best as a press corner, with enough range and physicality to intrigue others as a potential safety convert.
Projection: Third-Fourth Round
—Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)
