His team took a 20-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, but rookie safety Eddie Jackson turned in a team-high of eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Since getting selected to the Chicago Bears in the fourth round – No. 112 overall – of this year’s NFL Draft, Jackson has impressed head coach John Fox and his teammates with his tackling prowess and ball skills.
Per a tweet from NFL Research, Jackson’s season has the potential of earning him Defensive Rookie of Year attention.
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the former four-star prospect from the University of Alabama has made timely plays all year in Chicago’s secondary.
With 5 tackles and a fumble recovery in the first half vs DET, @Bears rookie Eddie Jackson now has 52 tackles, 2 INT, and 3 FR this season.
He's the first rookie with 50+ tackles, 2+ INT, and 3+ FR since Luke Kuechly, the 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year for the @Panthers
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 16, 2017
He set an NFL record in week seven against the Carolina Panthers, becoming the first player in history to account for two defensive scores of at least 75 yards.
Coupling that effort with his third game totaling at least eight tackles, Jackson has proven to be the steal of the draft.
His 52 tackles rank him fifth on the team through 14 games, while his two interceptions and three fumbles recoveries are team-highs.
Seeing how Jackson is doing this, especially after sustaining two serious injuries at Alabama, speaks highly of his work ethic and passion.
Chicago will not make the playoffs, but one must watch Jackson in any possibility that he gets invited to the Pro Bowl, makes the All-Rookie Team or wins Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
