Chicago Bears training camp 2017: Five players who could turn heads in Bourbonnais
1. Eddie Jackson
While Quintin Demps penciled into one of the Chicago Bears’ starting safety spots, the position opposite Demps will be hotly contested and debated during training camp. And for as much experience as Adrian Amos and Harold Jones-Quartey have, their inability to make plays on the football in the passing game clouds their case for starting.
Such uncertainty regarding those more veteran players opens the door for young talent to make a play for starting roles. In particular, watch out for Eddie Jackson, who, aside from Adam Shaheen, could be the most NFL-ready rookie on this squad.
Why he’ll impress
Jackson was a permanent fixture in Alabama’s defense, both as a corner and safety, for four straight years. Playing that much football for the biggest pro football talent factory in the country means you did a few things right.
Saying his success stemmed only from the talent around him underestimates Jackson’s experience and eye for the game. Jackson didn’t just play safety: he quarterbacked that dominant Crimson Tide defense before every snap.
And his football knowledge has already caught his coaches’ attention:
"“He’s wired right,” Chicago coach John Fox said of Jackson. “He understands the game, in the classroom setting, questions and answers, he gets it. He’ll get plenty of time in Bourbonnais.”"
And if you’re talking about the on-field play, his ball-hawking and return abilities are unlike anything the Bears currently possess at safety. He’s not Ed Reed, but the Bears must have loved his instincts and nose for the football in the pre-draft process.
Sure, a lot of people will complain about him being a finesse tackler rather than an aggressive hitter. But truthfully, as long as he brings the ball-carrier down without going for a ride, does it really matter? Everyone loves an enforcer, but just tackling effectively would be a step up from last year. Jackson can do that, plus a whole lot more.
And that doesn’t even discuss his possible value as a return man.
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If Jackson stays healthy throughout camp, Chicago Bears fans might be surprised at how much they like his style of play by the end of the summer. Who knows? He might even be one of the Bears’ starting safeties Week 1.