DE, Tyson Jackson, LSU

DE, Tyson Jackson, LSU

Pros:  Versatile defender who operates as an end in LSU's base 4-3 alignment, but could also be moved inside as a 4-3 under (3-technique) tackle or as an end in the 3-4 alignment.

Cons:  Bit of a "tweener" for 4-3 teams. ... Lacks a great burst upfield, closing speed and the repertoire of pass-rush moves to be a dynamic outside pass rusher.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   The first true 3-4 DE prospect who is likely to go off the board, Jackson has the right qualities for the position, including the required "team-first" attitude.  He has good, but not elite quickness off the snap, but he is consistent about discarding blockers and causing havoc around the line of scrimmage.  Though he lacks  the variety of pass rush moves you would like to see, he is definitely "field aware" and knows where his teammates are and what his responsibilities are.  As a four-star prospect, he is a great match for Denver, but #12 may simply be too early, and the second round may be too late.

Around MHR:

From "Boom or Bust...Draft Minefield":

The other potential bust I see is Tyson Jackson, yes, he physically has the tool set you would like in a five technique, but he has also benefited tremendously from playing with some other very talented DL that took pressure off him.  His technique is lacking and he will need a fair amount of time and coaching to develop in he mostly got by being a better athlete than the guy he lined up against in college.

From "ST&NO"

All signs now seem to point to the drafting of a defensive lineman in the first round.  I wouldn't be surprised if Todd McShay has it right, and the pick is Tyson Jackson, assuming BJ Raji is gone.  He's definitely the best 5-technique DE in this draft.  If you could get him in round 1 and Brace in round 2, you'd have to be pretty happy with that kind of talent infusion up front.

Around SBNation:

From "The Charger's Next DE?" at Bolts From the Blue:

The up side is that Jackson performed well on an LSU defensive squad that had some holes.  With some teams, like the Trojans, the combination of the system and the talent surrounding a player can mask average play much as the Chargers found weaknesses in their defense with Merriman out.  The more I look at the prospects for a new defensive tackle in this draft; the more I think that we should address the ILB position if possible.  Neither Peria Jerry nor Tyson Jackson look like the sure fire upgrade that I believe the Chargers will need to reach the next level.

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Jackson is a big, powerful defensive end who specializes in stopping the run. Could easily play as a three-technique tackle in a 4-3 or a five-technique end in a 3-4. Has played both at LSU, so he has some versatility. Has the strength to shed blocks quickly and get into the backfield. Better as a pass rusher on the inside. Does a really nice job getting his hands up to bat down passes. Knows how to play off the cut block nicely.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

•  Has a big frame and very good bulk…A powerful player with a good bull rush…Holds his own versus the running game and not much gets past him…Athletic in the short area and can come off blocks…Can probably play nose guard in the 3-4 scheme...Shows some versatility and possibly under tackle in a 4-3 Cover-2 defense…Plays with a very good motor when he wants to.  [see more...]
• The good news for Jackson is that the NFL will love his physical makeup regardless of his stats. He can carry his 6'5", 292-pound frame through a 40-yard-dash in about 4.8 seconds. Jackson seems even faster than that coming off the end. His long wing span also comes in handy for wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.   [see more...]
• Full name is Anthony Tyson Jackson...Was a three-year starter in the SEC...Twice named 2nd Team All-SEC ('06 & '07)...Best fit will most likely come as a five-technique in a 3-4 scheme but could also play end or tackle in a 4-3 front as well...Has drawn the inevitable comparisons to Marcus Spears, another former Bayou Bengal who was the 20th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft...An impressive physical specimen who is highly adaptable...Figures to be a coveted prospect because he is so  unlike any of the other  top defensive ends  available in this draft.   [see more...]
• Tyson Jackson was considered a rising star after his outstanding 10 sack season as a sophomore, but he was unable to duplicate that season. He fits a variety of NFL schemes, but probably is best as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, where his natural strength and bull rushing ability will be useful. He is the only top level 3-4 defensive end/power end prospect in the draft and that is going to help his cause. He is an impressive natural athlete that you would think could have posted better numbers in college, but he is likely to be at worst a solid NFL player for a long time.   [see more...]
• Playing with the proper pad level as a 6’5” player is tough, but Jackson is a technician in the trenches. He plays with his rear down low and his arms extended upward, just giving him a stronger advantage at the point of attack. Stands too tall as a pass rusher at times which increases the issue of his edge speed and quickness even more.  [see more...]
• Jackson is quick for his size, and comes off the edge surprisingly well. He has a nice long wing span that he uses to keep defenders from getting inside on him. He does have a tendency at times, though, of playing too high and letting blockers get into his chest.   [see more...]
• His game is not based on bringing down quarterbacks, he’s just not that type of end.  Jackson is a force against the run and can use his size and strength to over power tackles outside.  Teams regularly run away from his side and are always conscious of where he is on the field.  His best attributes are his size and versatility.  He can play end in either the 4-3 or 3-4 as well as shift inside to tackle.  While he’s not real ground breaking, his versatility is getting rarer in a age of 250-lbs defensive ends.  He shows the ability to shed blocks quickly and would be a real problem for interior lineman if he learns some more moves.  To compensate for pass rush deficiencies, Jackson uses his height and long arms to get in passing lanes and has been credited with 14 pass breakups the last two seasons, including 10 last year.  He doesn’t post big numbers (his career high in tackles is eight but he needed a triple OT game against Kentucky to do it) but ask any o-lineman and they will tell that he makes a tremendous impact on every game.   [see more...]
• A big, physically built defensive end with good power and stack-and-shed ability. Consistently holds the point of attack outside and can set the corner. Has long arms and good suddenness as a pass rusher. Likes to get into tackles and uses his base strength and lateral mobility to push the pocket and shed blocks. Offers a lot of versatility to a defense.   [see more...]