The Chicago Bears drafted Eddie Jackson. Oh how sweet it is. Okay, maybe that’s a little bias on the part of this writer so let’s start over. People were slamming the Bears for not paying closer attention to the defense through the first few days of the draft. Feeling that the secondary needed much more attention than it was getting.
Obvious enough given how crummy it was in 2016. One item on the agenda they needed to address? A ball hawk safety on the back end. Seems GM Ryan Pace didn’t forget about that. Early in the fourth round, he executed yet another trade. This time moving up from #117 overall to #112 in order to select Alabama safety Eddie Jackson. A man who likely would’ve been a first round pick this year if he hadn’t broken his leg last season.
Bears drafted Eddie Jackson and it’s wonderful
[TRADE DETAILS] #Bears send No. 117 and No. 197 to Rams for pick No. 112.
— Bears Talk (@CSNBears) April 29, 2017
#Bears draft Alabama safety Eddie Jackson. No. 79 on @PFF's big board. Free safety who had 6 INTs in 2015.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) April 29, 2017
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Eddie Jackson had 9 career interceptions at Alabama and the school record with 308 INT return yards. 6 picks in 2015. 41 games, 37 starts.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) April 29, 2017
Here is what NFL.com draft analyst had to say about what the Bears secondary is getting in this young defensive back.
“Has solid athleticism for the safety spot. Not a speed merchant but has the instincts and range to play over the top. Gets secondary lined up. Can cover tight ends and the occasional slot receiver. Former cornerback who played wide receiver in high school. Has the tracking, timing and hands to take the ball away when he gets his shot.
Offers roster versatility. Returned two punts for touchdowns this season and has three career defensive touchdowns. Background as a returner makes him more dangerous than your average safety after an interception.”
Jackson made the switch from corner to safety in 2015 and took to it right away. His mix of size and range are beyond enticing. The ball skills and instinct in coverage though are what make him such a great pickup for the Bears.
