Overview
Position: Edge defender
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 258 Pounds
School: Miami Hurricanes
Joe Jackson 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Joe Jackson is a former four-star recruit native to Homestead, Florida. The Gulliver Prep High School product has been immensely productive in his three years at Miami, since earning two starts as a true freshman. He has consistently been among the top 10 in the ACC in sacks throughout his time with the Hurricanes.
After leading his team in sacks in 2018, Jackson has declared for the 2019 NFL draft. A strong class of edge defenders will likely be a detriment in regards to where Jackson is ultimately selected, but he is an intriguing prospect. If he tests well at the Combine, Jackson could be a name that rises quickly.
Strengths
- Solid build with good length;
- High motor and willingness to pursue;
- Trustworthy eyes and plays with high awareness and football IQ;
- Good ability to use depths to his advantage when asked to cover;
- Strength allows him to be a solid anchor on the edge.
Weaknesses
- Pad level gets high once engaged and loses leverage quickly;
- Get off appears to slow as games progress;
- Rip and hump moves are most common counter moves, with not much variety outside of these;
- Does not possess the speed to be consistently effective in coverage;
- Needs to take better tackling angles.
NFL Comparison: Carlos Dunlap
Teams With Need at Position: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
Projection: Early day two pick
Bottom Line
Jackson possesses a good blend of physical traits and production. He still has to round out the technical aspects of his game, but expect defensive coaches to push for their team to draft him.
Jackson will likely live on the edge in a base 4-3 set. His high football IQ and physical traits suggest a very high ceiling for the Miami prospect. However, he will need some coaching to unlock his full potential.
