In his freshman year, he made the 2019 The Athletic Midseason Freshman All-American team, 2019 247Sports Freshman All-American first team, Pro. USC EDGE Drake Jackson 6-foot-3 265 pounds Yahoo Sports' 2022 NFL draft grade 5.69 possible second-rounder; starter potential TL;DR scouting report A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. Hes flashed that at times and has the traits to do so. . Main Photo: Additionally, he could improve his handwork to be more of a threat in the ground game. Doesnt get a lot of drive out of his lower body. Struggles to gather himself when flying around the edge. He was also awarded Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honorable mention. Hell need to become more consistent and develop an even wider array of moves and counters to reach his full potential at the next level, and his coaches should be eager to help him get there. Struggles to work through traffic and hold the perimeter. The 2nd play of the 4th quarter is tipped and intercepted by. Doesnt have a plan when he goes into a rep. Placement is not great. CAREER BACKGROUND. Has enough athleticism to drop in coverage and penetrate the pocket. Even on the morning of the announcement, he still hadnt made up his mind. After his stellar high school career, Jackson was listed as a four-star recruit by 247Sports Composite Rankings. I was impressed with how he played in the passing game. Hand usage needs work. Furthermore, the presence of Dan Quinn would allow Jackson to be directly mentored by one of the best. Furthermore, while he needs to develop a pass-rush plan to be successful at the next level, hes shown the ability to vary his rush dependent on what the offensive tackle presents to him. 17 min read. On film, Jackson has tremendous quickness off the line of scrimmage to beat offensive linemen out of their stances. Every year, the first round of the NFL draft features a handful of trades, as teams try to move up and down the board to maximize value and fill their . The Trojan star is difficult to touch when he employs head fakes, jab steps and body language to force an offensive lineman into false steps. However, there is a strong possibility that Jacksons untapped potential was a product of having to fit multiple defensive schemes and changing weights at USC. Strength coaches should help get him to a more viable playing weight, and hopefully a more natural physical attack will come with that added strength. School: USC, NFL Combine Data: Heading into the 2021 season, many expected Jackson to compete with fellow Pac 12 EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux for the top pick in the draft. 49ers. Keeps his eyes in the backfield when rushing the passer and uses hands and strength to stay in the play. Please check your email for a confirmation. Keep track of some of the best and most notable performances from the four days of on-field workouts in Indianapolis. Has great bend/flexibility; able to get down low and move around blockers while maintaining momentum. By Tony Pauline April 24, 2022 Jump around this article Click to show However, if he could work to use his length to his advantage in disengaging from blockers, that would make him a more impactful run defender. NFL Draft analysis for Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC CBSSports.com 247Sports . Statistically, this ended up being his best year, but the context matters. He has game-breaking potential. Jackson, who just turned 21 years old, produced 25.0 tackles for losses and 12.5 sacks over 28 games (26 starts) at USC. The draft guide also includes three-year grades, advanced stats, player comparisons, 2022 NFL Scouting Combine data, 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl grades and much more. Although not particularly flashy statistics for a pass rusher, it was just a precursor for more extraordinary things to come. However, theres plenty of depth at the position for NFL front offices to sink their teeth into. Stephen Jones talks Tony Pollard and franchise tag, Terence Steele recovery, Tyron Smith returning and more. USC EDGE Drake Jackson Scouting Report. Tends to be much too aggressive with angles. Play-to-play consistency is there. Can drop hips and get low, as well as widen out with flexible ankles. Jackson finished his freshman year with 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, both figures leading the team. Quick in all aspects of his game, easily changes direction, and chases the action hard. Drake Jackson 2021 season highlights. He possesses good speed with size (6-foot-4, 250 pounds). He was a second-team All-Pac-12 pick as an 18-year-old . *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
He often initiates contact with active, refined and accurate hands; further, he exhibits a varied pass-rush arsenal. Duke, the lone ACC program to sign a top-10 . Van Ness is in the same conversation, but could be the best of the bunch. In fact, Jackson was named to the 2020 All-Pac-12 second team, AP All-Pac-12 second team and Phil Steele All-Pac-12 second team for his second season. His athleticism and pass-rushing prowess should have him off the board early on Day 2. Since 2005, Prep Baseball Report's mission has been to provide the most credible scouting and event platform to help players and recruiters alike. The talk of the 2022 NFL Draft class at the edge position centers around Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson. In his debut against Fresno State, the new USC DE impressed with 1.5 tackles for loss and 2 pass deflections. Processing: Much of Jacksons game can be summed as inconsistent, which speaks partially to his football IQ. The comparison in relative athletic scores between Jackson and Khalil Mack offers a great idea of the kind of athlete Jackson is. He's a player who once received top-10 hype; however, his stock declined mightily over the season while others rose. 38. Not a great contain defender. Athletic, versatile, with some impressive pass-rush moves, Tony Paulines scouting report for Drake Jackson, the Pro Football Network Top 300 Big Board. Hand Technique: Jackson is very active with his hands and he makes good use of his ideal length, often getting full extension of his 34 arms to create separation between him and the opposing lineman. Long speed is a concern. With Jackson, though, its very easy to see his overwhelming talent shining through. Bryce Young's size makes him a risky bet, Anthony Richardson is tantalizing but scary, and a small number of players seem worthy of being first-round picks. During his junior year of high school football, he recorded 28 tackles, six sacks, three pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble. After that, there is a group of players who have a realistic shot of being the next pass rusher off the board. Two words immediately spring to mind to describe Jackson's abilities on the football field athletic and versatile. For that reason, Drake Jacksons 2020 campaign established him as one of the top players in the nation. Be sure to followNFLDraft Lounge for more scouting report coverage, as well as more on Drake Jackson. Drake Jackson has been a well-known name in this year's draft cycle. Jackson is an ascending pass-rusher with the athletic tools and upside capable of making him one of the Packers' first four picks in the 2022 NFL draft. His moves take full advantage of his unique athleticism, even if it leaves one wishing he would use these moves more consistently. This would be well-below the league average for both the defensive end, as well as the outside linebacker position. NFL draft profile scouting report for USC outside linebacker, Drake Jackson Speed is only one component of athleticism. He is adept at scraping laterally across the line of scrimmage to locate the ball carrier in the run game. Lateral Agility: Effortless. Games Watched: UCLA (2020), Arizona State (2020), Stanford (2021), Colorado (2021), Arizona (2021), Washington State (2021) POSITIVES. (62%*), 34
Despite the slide down the class, Jackson still possesses an NFL Draft scouting report that offers many alluring attributes. While his draft stock has fallen off a bit nationally, I still believe that he possesses elite traits that will really come alive at the NFL Combine. Hes also very inconsistent as a tackler. Whats more, Jackson has fluid hips and powerful bend to work through half-man engagement. Drake Jackson NFL Draft Profile Position: Outside Linebacker School: USC Current Year: Junior Height: 6'2 5/8 Weight: 254 pounds Wingspan: 82 5/8 Arm: 34 Hand: 10 1/8 Drake Jackson Scouting Report Having entered the season with a high level of expectation, Jackson has gotten lost in a deeply talented EDGE class. Additionally, Jackson was in danger of missing time in 2021 after another injury to his left foot but was able to start against Notre Dame following a bye week. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Daxton Hill, SAF, Michigan (Scouting Report) 4. Similar athletes although I think Jackson is a hair shorter, a bit thicker, and just a bit less athletic overall. When talking about edge players in this year's upcoming draft, Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeuax is the first name that comes to mind. 08/22/21 - OLB *Drake Jackson , Jr/2022, Southern California , 6-3, 273 (DS#5 OLB) + More +. NFL Team News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors, Position: EDGE Long, clunky strider as a pass-rusher. College: USC Class: Jr. Please enter a valid email and try again. Jackson was an immediate contributor at USC. Jackson saw a considerable uptick in production as a junior. An relentless edge defender with impressive physical traits, USCs Drake Jackson enters the 2022 NFL draft as one of the more intriguing edge defenders in a deep class. He excels with: Length, freaky burst/bend/dip combination Areas of concern: Hands are more active than they are effective, 2021 film featured spindly frame with lacking power. He was 245 or so pounds. He currently struggles to read offensive tackles and can, consequently, employ ill-advised pass-rush moves. Furthermore, hes the 10th-ranked EDGE player on our board. Jackson also demonstrates impressive football intelligence. (59%*), 127 (C)
Odds & lines subject to change. Against the run, the Trojan standout has the strength to bench press, anchor down, fill space and fill. His weaknesses are primarily a product of his weight, new role and new defensive coordinator. Inconsistent as a tackler - not good when runners run directly at him, Could do with improving his technique as a pass rusher - he relies to much on athletic ability something he won't be able to do at the next level. The San Francisco 49ers selected USC defensive end Drake Jackson with the 29th pick (No. Meanwhile, he found additional ways to be disruptive with 3 pass deflections and a first career interception. It was a crushingly narrow recruiting loss for Arizona State. Hes adept at understanding both man and zone coverage he ensures his positioning is correct when tasked with dropping back into coverage. As mentioned above, Jackson needs to work on his pass-rush plan. Decent first step, above average for the NFL. Hes at his best as a 5-tech without a tight end, as he struggles to work through double teams tremendously. Oct. 1, 2021 4 AM PT. 2 out of the gate while he works on adding strength and nuance to his game. 5 FUM. Go get paid.". Fantastic closing speed timed at 4.5 secs in the forty - with long arms to drag down quarterbacks and running backs. He doesnt have a wide-range of tools in his arsenal to beat offensive linemen, such as spins and twists. Clifton Brown. There were some flashes but for the most part, I didnt see much variability. Despite the challenges presented by the 2020 college football season, Jackson was still one of the premier pass rushers in the sport. Jackson should be a stand-up outside linebacker in the NFL, at least until he adds some more lower-body strength to hold up as a legit defensive end. By consistently lowering his pad level, the USC defender reduces blockable surface area and substantially improves his functional power. Long arms that he uses well to keep blockers out of his frame. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. 38. Simply put, USC didnt do any favors for Jackson during his time in Los Angeles. This event is exclusive to the A's program. He also earned the All-Big VIII League Co-MVP award. Both Maye and Williams are very good prospects, just look at what they did last year. With excellent change-of-direction ability, he dances around the line of scrimmage and drops back into coverage fluidly when tasked with doing so. He wont achieve that first-round hype from the summer, but it would be a surprise to see Jackson slide past the late second-round range in the 2022 NFL Draft. At the next level, hes best as a situational edge rusher who needs to build his strength back up and fine-tune his techniques in run support. Those are already impressive numbers, let alone for a true freshman. Gaffney's 5 Best Available for Day 2. His speed to get into the backfield and chase down the opposing quarterback is one of the best elements of his game. Cowboys draft 2023: Edge rusher Nolan Smith prospect profile. This can be seen with most of the current USC roster, as well. This January scouting profile ends with a typically solid Round 2 grade. Jackson is an impressive athlete. Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) February. Name: Drake Jackson Position: EDGE Height: 6'2" Weight: 254 pounds Drake Jackson Career. Hes played out of multiple stances from multiple alignments during his USC career. Jackson was a highly-rated prospect out of high school as he gets his NFL career going. One thought on "Combine Preliminary Report: EDGE Drake Jackson, USC" NFL Draft Big Board 'By Ranking' (Rounds 1 And 2, Before Free Agency) - Fitness Formula IT says: Drake Jackson takes center stage at NFL scouting combine Matt Zemek February 26, 2022 8:21 am PT USC was led the past few college football seasons by the two Drakes, but only one maxed out. A detail of the NFL Scouting Combine logo at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March . Today we look at a prospect that may not be getting enough attention in USCs Drake Jackson. BaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer. POSITION: Defensive End. Below-average play strength against the run. His size can be an issue in the run game, where bigger tackles are able to entirely remove him from the game pretty consistently. Do you agree they are better prospects than CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, Hendon Hooker and Anthony Richardson? Shoots like a rocket off the line of scrimmage, giving offensive tackles little time to react. After making an impact in his sophomore year, the athletic defender broke out in his junior season. Draft Scouting Report: Rating: 82.70 (Long-term starter) Pro Comparison: . Type above and press Enter to search. While others have ascended, the USC OLB has fallen down the pecking order. There are times where he throws out a move or two and looks unstoppable, but Jackson doesnt keep that up long enough to become as dominant as hes clearly capable of. Drake Maye: 45 total touchdowns, 5,019 yards of offense. In 2020, Jackson proved he can succeed at this lighter weight. Heading into the 2021 college football season, Jackson was considered by many to be one of the top prospects in this class. Thats his go-to move, but he also has an excellent spin move. Even when he plays at a heavier weight, Jackson has that versatility, and he showed up to USC's Pro Day at 273 pounds and had a good workout. Was listed at 275 pounds in 2019. His hand usage is aggressive, which allows him to drive back offensive linemen or win on a regular-basis on the outside. Ultimately, I believe that Drake Jackson will come off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft towards the end of the first round. In many ways, he reminds me of a better version of former Trojan Devon Kennard, an eight-year veteran now playing with the Cardinals. In 2021, Addison was the nation's best receiver, with 100 balls for nearly 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns. Can be slow to react to the ball-carrier and come off blocks. Sometimes, he locks himself up with his poor placement. He has excellent height and solid weight for the linebacker position, but would be considered underweight as a defensive end. USC's Drake London has the potential to be that player this year. Now, with the depth in this edge-rushing class, Jackson finds himself in a very interesting spot. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Flashes above average bend. Jackson is a project. During a senior year where he was named All-Big VIII League Co-MVP after racking up another 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 6 pass deflections, Jackson visited USC, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Just one of those prospects is USC edge Drake Jackson. The game ends, everybody celebrates or mourns, and next thing you know it's time for the Combine, free agency . When Jackson has to change directions or move along the line of scrimmage, he just does it so smoothly. Jackson took on a huge role right away, becoming USCs first true freshman to start a season opener in 12 years. Flashes of good flexibility. He is also great at tracking and chasing down the ball carrier in the run game. His motor and relentless playing style is evident as his feet continue churning through contact, and hes constantly playing to the whistle. His length, speed and moments of bend around the edge are enticing, but it's worth wondering if he can develop any other pass-rushing tools or hold up better against the run. Tormented by the decision, he recorded two versions of his commitment video. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. D'Marco Jackson (Appalachian State): 4.55; . The pass rusher still plays like a 275-pound defensive end. Embed from Getty Images NAME: Drake Jackson. It's a good pitch to have, but that could be an issue if that's all he has, which is the case for now. From there, his ability to turn the corner is inconsistent. After skipping his final year of high school football to prepare for college, the 2018 U.S. Army All-American made an instant impact in his first season with the Trojans. Let's start with the latter. Copyright 2019-2023. As signing day approached, Jackson was reportedly choosing between USC and my own alma mater, Arizona State. - Named The Press-Enterprise's Defensive Player of the Year and 2018 All-Big VIII League Co-MVP. Continue with Recommended Cookies. He. Purdue's George Karlaftis went at the end of Round 1 a year ago, and USC's Drake Jackson went a round later; both players were high-upside prospects who exceeded expectations as rookies. With Dante Fowler, Chauncey Golston, and Dorance Armstrong already in town, Jackson wont need to play right away. His standard rush isnt lacking either, using his bend and quickness to force his way to the quarterback. That wouldve been third among EDGEs at the combine this year. Seems to be a step late consistently. 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Closing speed timed at 4.5 secs in the sport particularly flashy statistics for a pass rusher the., captivating, and chases the action hard the League average for the linebacker position 127! His USC career offers a great idea of the 2022 NFL Draft towards the end the.