National Football League

Adoree' Jackson, CB, USC: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Adoree’ Jackson is one of the more dynamic players in all three phases of the game (defense, offense, and special teams), but plans to hone his craft as cornerback during the 2016 season.

Adoree’ Jackson is one of, if not the most, athletic player in college football. He is one of the best track athletes in the entire country, with back-to-back Pac-12 titles in long jump, and a second place finish in the Pac-12 100 meter dash.

Adoree’ Jackson’s elite athleticism is used all over the field, as a cornerback, kick returner, and on occasion as a wide receiver. In 2015 Jackson was apart of 971 plays; 157 plays on special teams, 157 plays on offense and 657 plays on defense. As a cornerback he registered 35 tackles, eight passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble. While at receiver he had 27 receptions for 414 yards (15.3 avg) and two touchdowns. On special teams Jackson had 30 kickoff returns for 690 yards (23.0 avg), and 24 punt returns for 251 yards (10.5 avg), and two touchdowns.

Let’s take a look at what Adoree’ Jackson does well and what he needs to work on as he transitions to cornerback on more of a full time basis.

Measurables:

School: USC

Year: Junior

Position: DB-WR-RET

Height: 5’11”  

Weight: 185 lbs.

Strengths:

Adoree’ Jackson’s biggest strength is his athleticism, and it is evident from the moment you turn on the tape that he is the top athlete on the field. His speed is what separates him from just about anyone in college football. When he’s returning the ball, Jackson display’s incredible vision and when he finds the hole he’s at top speed in a matter of seconds. More often than not he has made it through the defense untouched enroute to a touchdown.

At cornerback, Jackson has quick feet and is very fluid when flipping his hips. With some of the best closing speed in college football, Jackson breaks on the ball immediately after it is thrown and disrupts the pass at the catch point. His blazing speed allows him to recover extremely well if he’s beat by a receiver. He has good ball awareness to track the ball on deeper throws down the field. Despite his size, Jackson has plenty of swagger and plays with a physicality you like to see from a corner.

Weaknesses

While Adoree’ Jackson is athletic enough to play cornerback at a high level, playing three different positions has hindered his development on the defensive side of the ball. As a cornerback Jackson is inconsistent from a technical standpoint. His backpedal needs refinement, and despite having fluid hips he is prone to taking wasted steps as he turns to follow the receiver. Jackson has had trouble with his eye discipline at times, specifically with staring down the quarterback and allowing the receiver to get open to make a play. His tackling ability is an area that will need improvement. When defending the run game, he will try and pop the running back with his shoulder instead of wrapping up. As a result this leads to a lot of missed tackles as the running back absorbs the hit and continues his run. 

Final Thoughts:

Adoree’ Jackson is one of the most versatile players in all of college football. He is already an elite returner and will make an immediate impact in the NFL as such. As a cornerback he is instinctive and has the physical traits needed to excel at that position. If he cleans up his technique and develops the mental aspect of his game, he has the ability to become one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Both of these issues should see improvement in 2016 as Jackson has stated he will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, and will be spending less time on the offensive side of the ball.

Adoree’ Jackson has a chance to impress scouts early with the first matchup of the season. He will get to face off against one of the top receivers in the country in Calvin Ridley. If he can shut down Ridley, he will have given his draft stock a sizable boost leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft.

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