Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Draft Grades: Grading Each Selection for Chicago
A-. . Safety. 112th Overall. EDDIE JACKSON
After sitting out the third round because of the trade up for Trubisky, the Bears got back to work early in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. They traded up a few picks in the fourth round to get in position to take Alabama safety, Eddie Jackson.
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Jackson had some injury issues at Alabama, including a broken leg that cut his 2016 season short. That being said, he is a talented player who will push for playing time for the Bears at a major position of need.
The Alabama product is a converted cornerback whose coverage skills have easily translated to the safety position. Jackson is a fantastic playmaker from the safety position who can provide strong help coverage over the top. He shows strong zone coverage awareness and very good ball skills.
Jackson is not much of a run defender. He is purely a coverage safety. That being said, he does show the ability to dominate in man-to-man coverage. He has the size and athleticism to take on tight ends in man and is even quick enough to handle most slot receivers.
Jackson will immediately battle with Adrian Amos for playing time in the Bears’ secondary. He is a talented player who has a chance to become a strong difference maker in their defense.