Tag: Josh Jackson

Chiefs sign former Packers, Giants CB Josh Jackson to practice squad

The #Chiefs have added former #Packers and #Giants CB Josh Jackson to the practice squad.

The Kansas City Chiefs added some defensive firepower to the practice squad on Friday.

According to the NFL’s official personnel notice, the Chiefs have signed former Green Bay Packers second-round draft pick Josh Jackson to the practice squad, taking up one of their veteran spots. He’ll wear jersey No. 20 in Kansas City.

The former Iowa Hawkeye spent three seasons with the Packers, appearing in 42 games and starting in 15. He recorded 81 combined tackles, 12 passes defended, a pair of fumble recoveries and no interceptions during that span. He was known as a ballhawk in college, recording eight interceptions as a junior in 2017.

Jackson was traded from Green Bay to the New York Giants in August and released by his new team this past week. He didn’t play a single snap for the Giants through the first seven weeks of the season. Now, he’ll get a fresh start in Kansas City, where they’ve continued to stack former top-100 draft picks at the position.

There has been a long-running conspiracy theory that the Chiefs actually traded up to acquire Jackson in the 2018 NFL draft. The Packers had selected Jaire Alexander in Round 1, and then unexpectedly took Jackson at pick No. 45. Kansas City had traded up to No. 46 and ultimately took Breeland Speaks with the selection. There’s no telling if things actually played out this way, but it’s interesting to see the team acquire Jackson now.

The practice squad is all full after the team released Demone Harris earlier in the week.

[listicle id=107807]

Clemson commit on recent visits: ‘Never had an experience like that’

The Clemson Insider caught back up with this Class of 2022 commit, who couldn’t be happier to be “All In.” Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone is trying to take in as many home games as he …

The Clemson Insider caught back up with this Class of 2022 commit, who couldn’t be happier to be “All In.”

Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone is trying to take in as many home games as he can this season. He was in attendance for Clemson’s wins over Georgia Tech and Boston College and detailed his experiences with TCI.

“It was awesome. I’ve definitely never had an experience like that, going in the locker room, hearing the pregame speeches,” Johnstone said regarding Clemson’s 14-8 win over Georgia Tech. “It was great to be around everybody and see people again. It sucked because of the rain circumstances. It was definitely a weird game.”

What’s the type of feedback Johnstone’s gotten from Clemson’s coaching staff on these game day visits?

“They were just kind of happy to see me,” he said. “We just talked a little bit about how my season is going and where I was at and stuff.”

Johnstone says that he has a strong relationship with both Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell and offensive analyst Thomas Austin. Caldwell has actually helped Johnstone’s older sister with her studies at Chapel Hill because he has some connections up there.

“It was great,” Johnstone said of being able to see Caldwell and Austin face-to-face again. “I love being around those guys because they always make me feel like I’m at home. They just remind me that I’m at the right place. They’re so welcoming and so hospitable. It’s like I’ve known them for my whole life and (the Georgia Tech game) was my third time meeting them.”

Johnstone had been to Clemson games prior to two of those home games, but he had never gotten the “VIP treatment” as a recruit before.

He was able to put into words and context just how different it is.

“Everything about it is different,” Johnstone said. “We got there at 11:30 a.m., we’re eating really good food and coaches are coming up to you and talking to you at the indoor facility. It’s like just being on a visit. Then some of us go up and run up the hill. I actually had never been up there, close enough to run down. Right before they came off the bus, we ran up the hill and watched them. Everybody’s screaming like I could have touched everybody. I remember, I think it was Ajou Ajou, he was screaming in our faces. He was so excited.” 

At the Georgia Tech game, Johnstone was around some of his fellow Clemson commits like Cade Klubnik, Collin Sadler, Sherrod Covil and Adam Randall.

“It was great. Those guys, I have great relationships with all of them,” Johnstone said. “Every time I see Cade, he’s giving me a big hug. Me and Collin are really great friends. Me, Rod, and Adam are all close. Just being around those guys, it’s just comforting.”

Every time Johnstone comes back to Clemson it just reaffirms that he made the right choice.

“I think everyone’s excited about being on campus and being here all the time,” he added. “You can just see how much everyone loves being there and how excited they are to come to these games and just hanging around and feeling like they are a part of Clemson.

Dabo Swinney told Johnstone that he would be playing tackle when he gets to Clemson. He said that he thinks left tackle is the ideal scenario down the road.

“Obviously, that’s your blind side,” Johnstone said. “That’s one of your bigger impact guys on the offense. It will definitely be a journey to get to that point, but ideally with my athleticism and stuff, once I put on weight, I think that’s where they’d like me to play.”

What has Clemson told him about the opportunity he’ll have once he’s officially on campus?

“Really, I feel like I have an equal opportunity as everyone else and they’ve made me feel that way,” he said. “Obviously, I’m coming in a little light at a very needy position, but I remember Coach Swinney told me one time, he’s like, ‘My goal is you get here and in three years you look up and we have a starting left tackle.’ One day they’ll wake up and see me and my potential will have been achieved. The whole goal is to put my head down and work and let everything else work out.”

Johnstone is hoping to make all the rest of Clemson’s home games this season, meaning he should be back in the stands for Clemson’s matchup against Florida State on Saturday, Oct. 30.

“They send me VIP invites every week,” Johnstone added. That’s super cool because I feel like most programs would just tell their walk-ons, ‘We’ll see you in June, good luck,’ but they’re actively talking to me and inviting me to games and stuff.”

What does that mean to Johnstone?

“I’ve heard of people’s other experiences as a walk-on and I’ve heard of (Former Clemson wide receiver) Josh Jackson,” he said. “He was a walk-on for a long time and he’s coaching at our school now. He had a great experience, though he really didn’t get that many snaps. You’re treated the same as everyone else. My sister is treated like everyone else. Even the commits, we all treat each other like we are all brothers and all family. There’s no drop off no matter who you are.”

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Giants’ Saquon Barkley questionable, Evan Engram out vs. Broncos

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley is questionable but likely to play against the Denver Broncos, while TE Evan Engram is out.

The New York Giants will finally, officially see the return of running back Saquon Barkley (knee) on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Nearly a year to the day (Sept. 20, 2020) after suffering a torn ACL versus the Chicago Bears, Barkley will step back onto the field in a live, competitive environment. And a pitch count? That might be off the table, too.

Despite being listed as questionable, expect Saquon to be a full-go after getting through practice without a setback.

Meanwhile, tight end Evan Engram (calf) continued his work on the side, but was still ruled out against the Broncos.

The remainder of the Giants’ injury report, including the status of cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and tight end Kyle Rudolph, can be found below:

Out: TE Evan Engram (calf)

Doubtful: N/A

Questionable: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (ankle)

No designation: WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), LB Justin Hilliard (foot), DB Josh Jackson (calf), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), DT Danny Shelton (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), OT Andrew Thomas (ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

Giants injury report: Evan Engram sits again, positive news for others

Several New York Giants trended in the right direction on Thursday, but TE Evan Engram (calf) seems unlikely to play in Week 1.

The New York Giants returned to the field on Thursday afternoon in preparation for a Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos and several injured players continued to trend in the right direction.

Prior to practice, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett announced the news everyone was waiting to hear: running back Saquon Barkley is finally 100 percent.

“[I have] a lot of confidence in him as a player. I think he’s done a great job to get himself back healthy and 100 percent,” Garrett told reporters.

There was also optimism surrounding rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring), who may take on a “significant role” this Sunday.

“Kadarius is earning everyone’s trust. He’s getting out here and he’s working,” special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey said.

News was not nearly as positive for tight end Evan Engram (calf), who was again limited to work with trainers on the side. He is likely out against Denver.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: TE Evan Engram (calf)

Limited participant: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), LB Justin Hilliard (foot), CB Adoree’ Jackson (ankle), DB Josh Jackson (calf), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), DT Danny Shelton (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), OT Andrew Thomas (ankle) and WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

Full participant: N/A

Giants injury report: Saquon Barkley limited, Evan Engram DNP

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but TE Evan Engram (calf) sat out.

The New York Giants took the field for their first (full) regular-season practice of 2021 on Wednesday and all eyes were on running back Saquon Barkley (knee).

As anticipated, Barkley was geared up and took the field with his teammates. He participated during the portion of practice open to the media, as did wide receivers Kenny Golladay (hamstring) and Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

“Yeah I’m good. Just working every day to get better,” Toney told reporters when asked if he’s healthy and ready. “I’m here to do my job. Whatever they say.”

Head coach Joe Judge said Toney would likely play a “significant role” on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, but he specified production over volume.

Meanwhile, tight end Evan Engram (calf) did not participate in practice and his status for Week 1 remains very much in doubt.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: TE Evan Engram (calf)

Limited participant: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), LB Justin Hilliard (foot), CB Adoree’ Jackson (ankle), DB Josh Jackson (calf), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), DT Danny Shelton (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), OT Andrew Thomas (ankle) and WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

Full participant: N/A

Giants restructure contract of DB Josh Jackson

The New York Giants have restructured the contract of DB Josh Jackson, who was recently acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers.

The New York Giants have reworked the contract of cornerback Josh Jackson, who they got from the Green Bay Packers three weeks ago in a straight-up trade for cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

[vertical-gallery id=673784]

According to Spotrac, the Giants’ Top 51 number is $186,1562,571 which is $1,068,716 over the NFL’s allowable salary cap for 2021. This move should get them close, but the real issue is how are they so close to the cap even after all the moves they made recently for low-level talent?

The Giants don’t have any major cap hits that appear to be egregious. James Bradberry’s $13.250 million is their largest cap charge. Only two other players — Leonard Williams ($11 million) and Saquon Barkley ($10,025,602) — have cap hits of over $10 million.

The Giants did a lot housekeeping this offseason but also turned over nearly 40 percent of their roster. They apparently spent all of their available cap space and are hoping they did so wisely.

Jackson will see his base salary drop from $1.33 million to $920K.

Packers trading CB Josh Jackson to New York Giants

The Packers are sending CB Josh Jackson to the Giants for CB Isaac Yiadom.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbxb1xg7g19wqdc player_id=none image=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Green Bay Packers and New York Giants are swapping top-100 picks at cornerback from the 2018 NFL draft.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers agreed to trade Josh Jackson to the Giants for Isaac Yiadom.

Both young cornerbacks needed a fresh start.

Jackson has struggled throughout his career in Green Bay and is coming off a highly disappointing preseason debut against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Swapping Jackson for Yiadom allows the Packers to add a young talent at the cornerback position while also giving Jackson the change of scenery he needs at this point in his NFL career.

The Packers made Jackson the 45th overall pick in 2018, while Yiadom was the 99th overall pick in the same draft class.

This is already the second time Yiadom has been traded. The Denver Broncos sent him to New York for a seventh-round pick last season. He’ll get a chance to compete for a backup role in Green Bay in 2021.

Jackson, who rarely played over the last two seasons, gave up seven catches against his coverage on Saturday night, opening the door for his immediate departure.

Jackson leaves Green Bay having played 1,152 defensive snaps over 42 games for the Packers. He produced 12 pass breakups but did not have an interception.

[lawrence-related id=60614]

[listicle id=60602]

5 takeaways from Thunder’s loss to Pistons in battle of lottery teams

Lu Dort’s 26 points wasn’t enough for the OKC Thunder, who lost to the Detroit Pistons and Josh Jackson.

A league-high 43 times this season, Oklahoma City Thunder wing Lu Dort has drawn an offensive foul. Trailing by three points late in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons, it looked like the second-year player had done it again.

To the naked eye, it appeared Dort got to the spot Detroit Pistons wing Josh Jackson was headed to and absorbed the contact as Jackson lowered his shoulder and drove. The referees thought so, initially ruling it a charge.

Upon review, though, it was flipped to a defensive foul. Jackson made a pair of free throws, and instead of the Thunder getting the ball back with a one-possession game and the momentum of a charge, they were down five.

“(The referee) said my left foot was up. My left foot was not set, so that’s why it was a blocking foul,” Dort said.

That wasn’t the reason they lost, but it stymied the comeback attempt against a shorthanded Pistons team.

Oklahoma City lost its ninth game in a row, this time by a score of 110-104.

Here are five takeaways from the winnable game that ended in defeat:

Detroit Lions’ scouting guide to the 2021 National Championship

Detroit Lions will be scouting the 2021 National Championship for this upcoming NFL draft and here are the players they will be watching.

Despite not having a general manager or head coach in place, the Detroit Lions need to still be making preparations for the 2021 NFL draft, and that means scouting tonight’s college football national championship.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes at 8:00 pm, EST on several ESPN platforms.

Not only does this game offer the Lions options for the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, but there are also options for picks 41 and 72, the Lions current second and third-round picks respectively.

Quarterbacks

Justin Fields Ohio State, Jr (6-2.5, 223)
Mac Jones, Alabama, redshirt Jr (6-2, 205)

Fields is one of the top players in this class and appears on track to be selected in the Top-10. His combination of athleticism, accuracy, arm strength, and leadership make him a very appealing option for a team looking to rebuild. If the Lions are executing a full reset at quarterback, and Fields is available when it’s their selection, he could very well be their top choice.

If the Lions opt to delay selecting a quarterback until Day 2, Jones could be in the mix. More of a traditional pocket passer, Jones has solid arm strength and can hit his targets at all three levels. If the Lions stick with a basic west-coast-themed offense, Jones would fit in well and could develop into a starter down the road.

Running backs

Najee Harris, Alabama (6-1.5, 230)
Trey Sermon, Ohio State (6-0, 221)

Harris’ combination of athleticism and power is going to make him a coveted back in this cycle, but the Lions have already invested high picks in D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson, making Harris an unlikely selection in this draft.

Sermon also plays with great power/contact balance, and would be ideal as a complement to a running back tandem that features an elusive runner and third-down back tandem like the Lions. If he lands on Day 3 of the draft, he should get some attention from Detroit, regardless of the scheme.

Wide receivers/Tight ends

Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama (6-0, 175)
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama, Jr (5-10, 182)
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State, Jr (6-0, 188)
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State, Jr (6-5, 250)

Smith and Waddle are both options to be selected in the Top-10, with both being instant impact contributors.

Smith — this year’s Heisman Trophy winner — is a dominating receiver, who cannot be covered one-on-one by college defensive backs. His combination of explosiveness, precise route-running, and sure handedness make him a top option in this class. My NFL comparison for Smith is a cross between Marvin Harrison and Antonio Brown.

Waddle’s game is built on elite speed and big-play ability. If you like Tyreek Hill, Waddle is the receiver for you.

Olave is the buckeye’s big-play option. His ability to gain separation and track the deep ball makes him an ideal wide receiver No. 2 with upside. He should hear his name called on the second day of the draft.

Right now, Ruckert looks like an early Day 3 option at tight end. He has the potential to be a complementary blocking tight end who can be relied upon in the passing game.

Offensive line

Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State, redshirt Jr (6-3, 313)
Alex Leatherwood, OT/G, Alabama (6-5, 310)
Landon Dickson, C, Alabama (6-5, 344)
Josh Meyers, C, Ohio State, redshirt jr (6-4, 310)
Deonte Brown, G, Alabama, (6-4, 338)

The first four players in this section look like Top-100 selections and could be among the first five players drafted at their positions – depending on where teams project playing them. Brown is on the fringe, but could still find his way into Day 2 of the draft.

The Lions surely got a long look at Davis and Meyers when scouting Jonah Jackson last year. Jackson held down the Buckeye’s left guard spot, while Davis started at right guard, with Meyers in between them. It’d cost the Lions another Day 2 pick, but either would be a big step towards solidifying the Lions’ offensive line.

In tonight’s championship game, keep an eye on Alabama’s left side where Leatherwood is their left tackle, and Brown is their left guard. Unfortunately, Dickson is injured his knee in the SEC championship game and won’t play tonight.

Defensive line

Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama, redshirt sophomore (6-5, 310)
Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State, Jr (6-2, 300)
Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State (6-2, 286)
LaBryan Ray, DT, Alabama (6-5, 292)

Typically the defensive lines on these teams are flush with talent, but outside of Baramore, the other three seem like Day 3 options.

Baramore played as one of Alabama’s three down linemen, filling the same role Da’Shawn Hand held during his time with the Crimson Tide. Like Hand, Baramore is likely best as a 3-technique at the pro level and will receive varying scouting grades depending on the scheme the team runs. In the Lions’ previous scheme, he probably would’ve been a top-50 pick, but with the Lions scheme up in the air, it’s hard to place value on him at this time.

Linebackers

Dylan Moses, Alabama, redshirt Jr (6-2, 235)
Baron Browning, Ohio State, (6-2, 248)
Pete Werner, Ohio State (6-2, 239)

Moses looked like a surefire first-round pick before tearing his ACL last season and opting to return to school. This year he looks like he is still shaking off the injury, but if he passes medicals and teams believe he can return to form, he could be nice value in the second round.

Browning is a freaky athlete with the tools to succeed but hasn’t put it all together on the field consistently. His stock will range all over depending on how much value teams put on testing. Werner doesn’t quite have Browning’s athleticism, but he has terrific range, intelligence, and work ethic.

Defensive backs

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama, Jr (6-1, 203)
Shaun Wade, Slot DB, Ohio State, redshirt Jr ((6-0, 194)
Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama, Jr (6-0, 189)

Surtain is in the mix to be the top cornerback selected in this cycle and could hear his name called in the Top-10 picks. It would be very out of the box for the Lions to take back-to-back Top-10 corners, so don’t get your hopes up he will land in Detroit.

Wade, though, should be very much in the mix. He held down the nickel spot for the Buckeyes in 2019, but after Okudah left — and was drafted by the Lions — Wade shifted outside and has not performed as well. At the next level, Wade seems much better suited shifting to a hybrid role — where he can play in nickel sets at corner and safety, while also having the range to play situationally on the outside.

Big and aggressive, Jobe is still too raw to be considered a high-round draft pick and maybe better suited to return to school for more polish. If he does declare, the Lions could find value in a few years by drafting, stashing, and waiting for him to develop.

Packers: Corey Linsley may return vs. Titans, more needed from Josh Jackson on ST

The Packers may get C Corey Linsley back against the Titans, and Josh Jackson needs to be better on special teams to be active on gamedays.

The Green Bay Packers aren’t ruling out the return of center Corey Linsley for Sunday night’s showdown with the Tennessee Titans.

Linsley, who hurt his knee and has missed the last three games, was designated for return from injured reserve on Tuesday and practiced with the team.

Coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers plan to give Linsley the entire week to get ready to play.

“We’re going to work him through practice and just see how he feels, and we’ll make a determination towards the end of the week,” LaFleur said Wednesday.

Linsley originally injured his knee against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 29. The Packers moved left guard Elgton Jenkins to center and won all three games without him, but Linsley’s return would be a welcomed one for the Packers offensive line.

During the first 11 games, Linsley was the highest-graded center at Pro Football Focus. He didn’t get selected for the Pro Bowl, but the seven-year veteran is having his best season.

If Linsley can return, he’d allow Jenkins – a first-time Pro Bowler in 2020 – to move back to left guard. The Packers could then decide who plays on the right side between Lucas Patrick, Billy Turner and Rick Wagner.

LaFleur said the Packers want to see how Linsley responds to the workload at practice, and they’ll work different combinations of starting offensive linemen during practice to have backup plans in case Linsley isn’t ready.

“Anytime you have a guy coming off a long layoff like he’s had, you want to give them the week to work through because you’re out there practicing and you don’t know how someone’s body is going to react. We’ll let him work through. We will work different combinations throughout practice of different routes we could go, because at this moment we really don’t know.”

Jackson’s challenge

Third-year cornerback Josh Jackson has been a healthy scratch during two of the last three weeks. The reason? Special teams. LaFleur said considerations in the third phase have determined the pecking order at cornerback.

“It always comes back down to special teams,” LaFleur said. “When you’re talking about the last two spots in the secondary, you’re going to put the guys out there that can help you the most on teams. He’s got to make sure he continues to work in that area.”

The Packers have picked Ka’dar Hollman over Jackson as the fourth active cornerback behind Jaire Alexander, Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan recently.

Jackson was an important player for six straight weeks while King battled injury, but he hasn’t played a snap on defense since Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Packers clearly trust Hollman, who has played nearly 40 percent of the special teams snaps this season, to handle the various roles within the third phase, such as being the gunner on coverage units.

“It changes on a weekly basis quite a bit. It’s all about matchups and how we get the people who are best prepared to perform in all phases, but especially special teams,” LaFleur said.