Dane Jackson Overview
Name: Dane Jackson
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180 pounds
School: Pittsburgh University
Dane Jackson 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Many times, NFL Draft experts tend to gravitate most of their research and time studying to the top prospects in a draft class. But, as is the case with Tom Brady and Antonio Brown, sometimes secret draft steals can lay hidden in Day 2 and Day 3 selections. One such steal could be Dane Jackson, a flashy cornerback who’s draft stock is ranging from the fourth round, to the bottom of the draft. Now, let’s get one thing clear. By no means are we saying Pittsburgh cornerback Dane Jackson is on the same level as the aforementioned guys, but he has flashed some promising potential.
Jackson is a quarterback-turned-cornerback who has become a dominant force for the Pittsburgh Panthers’ secondary over the last few years. The 6’0”, 180-pound cornerback shined in 2019, starting all 13 games for the Panthers. During this time, Jackson racked up 43 tackles and 12 pass breakups. He also filled up the stat sheet by accounting for three tackles for loss and one interception as well as one sack assist. Those numbers were good enough for him to be selected to the All-ACC Second Team. Those numbers were also good enough to get him invited to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl.
Strengths
- Has quick, fluid footwork;
- Displays good stickiness on route trees and is able to stay attached to his defender as the play progresses;
- Jackson plays with a sort of fire and tenacity, bringing energy and passion to a secondary;
- Jackson’s tackling ability is maximized through his effort and attitude, impressing scouts with his ability to get to the body of a ball carrier and take them to the ground;
- Plays into the hip of receivers and creates problems for receiving targets;
- Has the ability to beat receivers to the football and contest it, causing major disruptions for his opponents.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t have great long speed;
- Doesn’t possess great ball skills, often forcing him to get “handsy” with receivers at the end of routes, leaving him open to foul calls regularly;
- Jackson does have good length for the position, but needs to use it better to his advantage at the line of scrimmage;
- While playing with great tenacity and attitude can be a blessing, he often can become slightly undisciplined and commits silly fouls after getting “grabby” with receivers;
- Struggles at times with body control and turning his head to locate the football.
NFL Comparison: Mackensie Alexander
Teams With Need at Position: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers
Projection: Early 4th-Late 6th
Bottom Line on Dane Jackson
When NFL GMs watch Jackson’s tape, it’s easy to see why they fall in love with him. The senior out of the University of Pittsburgh shined in his four years at the school, exciting crowds with his aggressive playstyle and physical toughness. Coaches and GMs alike can only hope that the confidence and aggressiveness of Jackson will continue once he hits the NFL.
Exactly where Jackson will get drafted still remains relatively unclear. Some mocks have him going as far up as the third round, whereas others have him sinking all the way down to the last round in the draft. Either way, a team will select the tough-nosed defender a week from now and come away from the event feeling confident that they’ve picked a player who is committed and has a great work ethic. With a little polishing and some proper scheming, Dane Jackson can make an NFL team very happy when he’s placed in the proper situation.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
