Tennessee Titans: Grading the 2020 NFL Draft class, pick-by-pick analysis
7b. player. Marshall. Chris Jackson. 35. Draft Profile. Pick Analysis. Defensive Back
Draft Grade: C
A relative unknown to most of the draft community, Chris Jackson is a very experienced and productive defensive back out of Marshall. I had honestly never heard of Jackson before the Tennessee Titans selected him with their final pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, so I had to do a little bit of searching to learn more about him and to grade him fairly.
Just looking at the stat sheet, you can see why Jackson warranted consideration in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a four-year starter at Marshall who put up some solid numbers across the board. In his college career, Jackson totaled 189 tackles, seven interceptions, and an impressive 45 pass break-ups. He also totaled 200 interception return yards, showing that he can be effective with the ball in his hands.
Although he was announced as a safety during the 2020 NFL Draft coverage, Jackson appeared to ply more outside corner when watching what little film I had available to me. On film, Jackson often glued his eyes to the quarterback and lost track of his receiver in man coverage, giving up some big plays.
Jackson is a bit undersized at 6-foot-0 and 186 lbs, and that lack of size definitely hurts him against bigger opponents, particularly in the red zone.
What Jackson does bring to the table is plus ball skills in zone coverage and a willingness and effectiveness as a tackler in run support. He is effective at the catch point if he can stay with his receiver in man coverage and has valuable special teams experience that could help him make the team in 2020.
Jackson is a tough and gritty player that gives 100% all the time. He kind of came out of nowhere, but that almost makes me more comfortable with the pick. Clearly the Tennessee Titans saw something in Jackson that they thought was worth drafting him for, and should have a plan to use him. Whether it is just on special teams or occasionally in a variety of roles on defense, Jackson should be a part of the Tennessee Titans roster in 2020.