The best is always saved for last.
He’s the final draft breakdown segment for this installment; however, there was nothing short of remarkable from Eddie Jackson in his four-year career. Jackson, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., embodied everything in Nick Saban’s process from his play on the field to encouraging teammates off the field. He got his start at cornerback in 2013, following his enrollment in Alabama top-ranked recruiting class. Jackson recorded 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups and an interception through seven games—causing many Crimson Tide fans to believe that he would be the breakout star at corner over Cyrus Jones in 2014.
An anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee during spring practice would negate some of Jackson’s speed heading into his sophomore season. Despite collecting 41 tackles, six breakups, an interception and two forced fumbles, he was burned at times against quality competition.
Ever resilient, the 6-foot, 194-pounder returned strong and embraced a new position under first-year secondary coach Mel Tucker in 2015. Through 15 games at safety, Jackson led the team with six interceptions.
He returned two for touchdowns against Texas A&M, while registering a crucial takeaway versus No. 1-ranked Clemson in the 2016 College Football Playoff title game. He was having a sensational senior year in more ways than one, until a gruesome leg injury ended his campaign after eight games. Jackson chimed in with 24 tackles (2.5 for loss), two pass breakups and an interception. He gained a fan in running backs coach/special teams coordinator Burton Burns, as he returned 11 punts for 253 yards and two scores (both against SEC teams).
His career ended with nine interceptions, but his best honor was being named permanent team captain by his peers before postseason action. Regardless of the injury, Jackson is listed as the fourth-best strong safety prospect in this year’s draft class and a projected third round selection.
Top five potential NFL Draft spots for Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears
Who drafts Eddie Jackson: Dallas Cowboys
Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli needs a cornerback, and Jackson is experienced.
He played the position in high school and during his first two seasons at Alabama, so it’s nothing for him to come in and showcase sound technique. With Morris Claiborne, Brandon Carr and Orlando Scandrick battling injuries throughout their careers, getting Jackson isn’t a bad move.
To add more reasons, Dallas finished 26th in pass defense (4,167 yards) and recorded just nine interceptions to 25 touchdown passes allowed. In playing against Eli Manning, Carson Wentz and Kirk Cousins, one needs a corner that can be both physical and soundly create turnovers.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
