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Green Bay Packers Draft Prospect: Josh Jackson

By Josh McPeak

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Wide receiver Mailk Turner #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is brought down by defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Wide receiver Mailk Turner #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is brought down by defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson is a name that has become a popular one as a Green Bay Packers potential first round target.

Josh Jackson is an interesting case. The Iowa cornerback is leaving school after his junior season, and while it was a tremendous season, it’s basically his only measurable action on a college football field.

He has tremendous hands which is likely a result of his recruitment as a wide receiver where he was All-District at Texas Lake Dallas High school.

Getting back to college, Jackson’s junior season landed him on the AP first team All-American list. While his eight interceptions are impressive, the three percent completion rate and 27 passes defended may be more so. He also piled up 48 tackles, a forced fumble and even blocked a kick.

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Big games seem to bring out the best in him. In an upset win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, Jackson had three interceptions. While this may not be popular with our readers, he had not one, but two pick-sixes versus the Wisconsin Badgers. This was a big reason why he earned the award for Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award.

Scouts were a bit disappointed in the 4.56 40 time Jackson ran at the combine. One of the questions heading into the draft is his ability to chase down a runner, as well as his long speed. However, it is reported, that he improved that 40 time, running in the 4.4’s at Iowa’s Pro Day. He also improved his vertical, from 38 inches to 40 inches.

Josh Jackson is a ball-hawk with great length. He also has great instincts and more often than not, plays the ball and not the man. It’s also a popular topic that Jackson has a tremendous attitude and work ethic.

Obviously, the Green Bay Packers number one need is at the corner position. Brian Gutekunst recently traded away Damarious Randall and free agency has gobbled up the likes of Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde over the past few seasons. Tramon Williams will be another corner coming back for a second stint in the green and gold. That alone will leave Mike McCarthy disappointed if he desires to shut down the big name quarterbacks of the NFL.

Jackson is a gamble. Selecting a 22-year-old corner with only 14 starts at the number 14 spot seems like a risky selection of a top 15 pick and the Packers generally don’t make an appearance that high in the draft. With that said, those 14 starts created a spectacular resume. It would also be risky to pass on potentially the next Josh Norman.

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Ted Thompson may be glad he isn’t sitting in the chair to make that decision this year. Good luck Gute!

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