With the top six selections in the draft expected to include some wheeling and dealing for quarterbacks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a position to take any player that may fall further than anticipated. Here, they wind up with one of the best ballhawking corners in the class, Iowa’s Josh Jackson.
While Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson would be a nice selection here, if he’s not on the board, expect the Bucs to look to add another playmaker on defense. Jackson logged an incredible eight interceptions to go along with 18 pass deflections in his stellar junior season for the Hawkeyes in 2017. With only one season of production at the collegiate level, some may be concerned that Jackson is a one-hit wonder, but there’s no doubting his ability to make plays all over the field.
Jackson saved his best games for the big stage in 2017, with three interceptions against then-No. 6 Ohio State and two against Wisconsin. As a former wide receiver, Jackson has outstanding ball skills and instincts which helps to account for his production. At times, he’ll be a bit overzealous in press coverage and will have to refine his technique at the next level to be considered a true shutdown corner.
There are some concerns about Jackson’s deep speed, so it’ll be important for him to run well at the combine. If he does, expect to hear his name called in the top 15 picks, where Tampa Bay could get themselves a nice complement to former first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves.