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Horse Tracks: Scouting USC Cornerback Adoree' Jackson

Could Jackson be added to the Broncos No Fly Zone?

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

One prospect who the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in and may consider on day two of the 2017 NFL Draft is former USC cornerback, Adoree' Jackson. He is a 5'10", 186lb cornerback who is considered one of the top corners in this deep defensive back class. Jackson is ranked as the 48th best player in the 2017 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the 8th best cornerback in the draft.

Jackson played three seasons at USC and was a dominant player. During his three-year career, he totaled 139 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 6 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, 28 pass deflections and 3 forced fumbles. This past season, Jackson totaled 55 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 5 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.

He also contributed in the return game. During this three-year career at USC, he returned a total of 79 kicks for 2,141 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also returned 46 punts for 578 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Adoree Jackson

Cornerback, Junior, USC

Height: 5'10" Weight: 186lbs 40 time: 4.42 seconds

Arm Length: 31 2/8" Hands: 9 1/4"

Vertical Jump: 36 inches Broad Jump: 122.0 inches

Film Room

Scouting Report

Strengths:

  • Special athlete with great athleticism
  • Plus body control with good ball skills
  • Reads and reacts to the ball well
  • High points the ball and shows off his leaping ability
  • Ballhawk
  • Played multiple types of coverages while at USC
  • Explosive return man
  • All around great athlete
  • Willing and solid tackler
  • Team captain in 2016
  • I really like his upside
Weaknesses:

  • Smaller than you would like
  • Might be a slot only corner in the NFL
  • Better athlete than football player right now
  • Sometimes gave too much of a cushion
  • Field awareness needs to improve some
  • Had some issues with bigger and stronger receivers in college
  • Needs to work on his technique
  • Great physical traits but overall a raw cornerback prospect

Does Adoree' Jackson make sense for the Denver Broncos?

I love the fit.

The Broncos are loaded at the cornerback position with Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby so they would not need Jackson to step up into a starting role right away. He can learn from Head Coach Vance Joseph and Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods who both have successful stints as defensive backs coaches in their past. Jackson has loads of upside so I think learning from two established coaches who know the position could be really beneficial for Jackson.

While he wouldn't have a major role on defense, he can be a playmaker on Special Teams for the Broncos. He was an explosive return man in college. He totaled a combined 8 kick and punt return touchdowns during his three years at USC. The Broncos have a big need in this department, so he could fill that role as well. He's also a solid and willing tackler, so we could see him on kick and punt coverages as well. Rookies need to contribute on Special Teams and he can do that.

The Broncos do not have a major need at the cornerback position right now, but could in the very near future. Veteran Aqib Talib has a looming suspension likely coming his way after shooting himself in his leg last summer. He's also getting up there in age and very well could be playing his final year with the Broncos. Also, former first-round pick Bradley Roby is coming off a disappointing season and has his fifth-year option decision coming up soon. So potentially both Roby and Talib could be playing their final season with the Broncos. So adding another young cornerback to a premium position on the Broncos roster should be a high priority on the Broncos to do list during the draft.

Also, keep in mind their fourth corner and special teams ace, Kayvon Webster left via Free Agency and signed with Wade Phillips and the Los Angeles Rams, so depth is needed.

I really like Jackson's upside and athleticism. He gets by on his athleticism alone right now, but if Joseph and Woods are able to coach him up and make him into a better football player he could be a very good player for the Broncos.

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