Chicago Bears: Eddie Jackson could make an immediate impact
By David Mamola
Rookie safety Eddie Jackson has impressed the Chicago Bears and could make significant contributions in 2017.
The safety position has been a constant source of headaches for the Chicago Bears in recent years. It’s been well-documented how many safeties have been wearing navy blue and orange since Mike Brown left, and few if any made any real mark.
That, however, hopefully will change this season. Quintin Demps was signed in free agency to be a playmaking presence in the secondary. His six interceptions with the Houston Texans in 2016 led all safeties, and his veteran leadership will definitely help the defense get on the same page. His starting safety spot should be solidified for at least the upcoming year, if not longer.
The spot opposite Demps is still open, yet that could change if rookie fourth-round pick Eddie Jackson continues his stellar play. The former Alabama star has impressed many in training camp, showing excellent ball skills and a knack for making impact plays. A former punt returner in college, you can see him display some of those ball-tracking skills when in coverage.
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The Bears had a franchise-low eight interceptions in 2016, so Jackson’s knack for being around the football is sorely needed. If he and Demps can add a playmaking ability to the backend of the Bears defense, it would go a long ways to improving the overall play of Vic Fangio’s unit.
Jackson doesn’t come without his fair share of flaws. His injury history is a bit concerning, as he has a rod inserted into his leg for an injury he suffered back in college. He missed some portions of the rookie minicamp because of this. Jackson also has to show he can tackle efficiency. No one will doubt his coverage ability, but if Jackson can’t tackle, he could end up being a liability.
Performing well in training camp is one thing, but performing well in preseason games is another. It’s great that Jackson has turned some heads in Bourbonnais, but that all gets thrown out the window if he struggles against actual opponents. At this time last season, many thought that Deon Bush, a 2016 fourth-round pick, would stop the revolving door at safety. Well, that didn’t happen, and now Bush himself is fighting just to stay on the roster.
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Jackson still has a lot to prove, but he also has a ton of upside. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll be the one to finally provide some stability to a historically unstable position. Here’s hoping.