2017 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears trade again and select Eddie Jackson
After not having a pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Bears open the fourth round with another trade. They trade up in the fourth round and select Eddie Jackson.
The Chicago Bears traded away their third round pick of the 2017 NFL Draft in order to draft Mitchell Trubisky. They did recover one of their fourth round picks, however. Then, just to keep everyone on their toes, they trade again, this time to move up to select Alabama safety Eddie Jackson.
Jackson was first team All-SEC and third team All-American in 2015 when he had six interceptions (returning two for touchdowns). He could have left for the NFL then but decided to help Alabama win back-to-back titles.
That did not work out, as Jackson broke his leg returning a punt late in the season. Even so, he still received second team All-SEC honors.
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Jackson appears to be over his leg injury. He gives the Bears a ball hawk they sorely need. He has great instincts for his position. His ability to diagnose a play quickly allows him to get to the ball quicker, even without elite speed.
Jackson gives the Bears some versatility. He can cover tight ends and slot receivers. He used to be a cornerback in high school so he has those instincts. Also, he was a good returner. He had two punt return touchdowns in 2016. With the three defensive touchdowns, that’s five times he found the end zone. The Bears surely need players who can find the end zone on defense.
Jackson’s return ability helps him at safety. When he gets an interception, his return skills make him dangerous with the ball.
I don’t see Jackson as a starting safety in the NFL. He could provide good rotation help. His value will be more as a punt returner. That isn’t bad, however. That was the same reason the Bears got Devin Hester and that worked out.
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This pick provides depth for the Chicago Bears. As we saw in 2016, when the Bears suffered some injuries, they didn’t have the proper depth to cover for the injured. Jackson provides that. He could start in a pinch, and his punt return ability really helps the team.