Round 7 | No. 239 | CB Dane Jackson | Pittsburgh
Grade: B
The Bills rounded out their draft by selecting Jackson from Pittsburgh. He started 41 games for the Panthers over the past three years. During that time, he registered 131 total tackles, 35 pass breakups, and three interceptions. This past year, Jackson was a second-team All-ACC selection.
Jackson is an aggressive cornerback. He likes to crowd wide receivers and get into their space quickly. He is very competitive in all aspects of the game, whether it’s contested-catch throws, tackling receivers, or playing the run. He will stick with the receiver’s hip in the intermediate passing game.
With this in mind, he does have some limitations. There are times where his aggressiveness cost him, with respect to being beat in routes or penalties. In addition, he doesn’t have the best closing speed if he is beat on a route.
Jackson is a battler. His penchant to be physical is a trait that will be admired by the McDermott regime. However, McDermott and company will work to reign in Jackson from being overly aggressive. Jackson will provide depth in the secondary entering camp, particularly as a slot corner. He can play out wide as well, but he might fit better inside for the Bills. He is on the outside looking in to make the final roster, but there are some things to like about Jackson’s game, which make him a fit in this round.
Finishing it on a bright note: Jackson was actually graded as a fifth-round pick by NFL.com, pre-draft. A potential steal by the Bills?
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