Bears select S Eddie Jackson - 4th Rd, 112th Pk

Seems like just another guy to me.



Overview

Jackson had a chance to leave for the NFL after an outstanding junior season in 2015, where he was a first-team All-SEC and third-team AP All-American selection (six interceptions, scoring on two). He decided to return, however, to help his team win back-to-back national championships. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken leg while returning a punt in the season's eighth game, ending his college career. Before that occurred, he had two punt returns for touchdowns in 2016 and secured second-team all-conference honors from league coaches with an interception and two pass break-ups. Jackson began his career in Tuscaloosa as a cornerback, starting four games as a freshman (20 tackles, one interception, two pass breakups). He tore his right ACL in spring 2014 practices, but still returned to start 10 games at corner in 2014 (41 tackles, two for loss, one INT, six PBU, two forced fumbles).
Analysis
Strengths Has solid athleticism for the safety spot. Not a speed merchant but has the instincts and range to play over the top. Gets secondary lined up. Can cover tight ends and the occasional slot receiver. Former cornerback who played wide receiver in high school. Has the tracking, timing and hands to take the ball away when he gets his shot. Offers roster versatility. Returned two punts for touchdowns this season and has three career defensive touchdowns. Background as a returner makes him more dangerous than your average safety after an interception.
Weaknesses Long, but lanky and not built for a physical pounding. Grab and drag tackler. Will do what he has to against the run, but he's not going to be a tone-setter with his hitting. Dominant defensive front made his job in coverage much easier. Had some easy, no-brainer interceptions float his way on overthrows. Can get too cute trying to stay glued to the quarterback's eyes rather than triggering towards his boundary help over the top. Will occasionally lose track of his deep ball responsibility. Has had two major injuries in his career that will draw plenty of attention at the combine.
Draft Projection Round 4-5
Sources Tell Us "He had like 10 first-rounders in front of him and lockdown corners who almost never needed help. He got to sit back and cherry-pick overthrows. That's great work if you can get it." - NFC South scout
Bottom Line Former cornerback-turned-safety with decent instincts and good ball skills but a finesse mentality as a tackler relative to those around him. Jackson's background in man coverage and his ability to return punts should create some additional value for him, but he'll be pressed into much more difficult situations in the league. Jackson is an average NFL backup with immediate punt return possibilities.
-Lance Zierlein

Really happy about this pick. I think he will end up starting, perhaps not week 1, but then mid season. Makes me feel a lot better about the draft

Here is what Nlf says about Desmond King

DESMOND KING

BOTTOM LINE Lack of size and speed combined with his ball skills, instincts, and competitiveness all point to a transition to safety. While he can improve as a tackler, he's got the toughness and mentality to take on run-support duties. Can cover in man when asked and has the ball-tracking skills and anticipation that should allow him to thrive in two-deep and single-high situations. A likely second-day (Rounds 2-3) selection and could be targeted as a zone corner or a safety with early starting potential.
-Lance Zierlein

Bears want man cover guys, not zone guys.