New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Joshua Jackson

The New York Jets have the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here we took a look at a prospect they may select, Iowa cornerback Joshua Jackson.

The 2018 NFL Draft is still a few months away but teams are already working on their big boards. Mock drafts are ubiquitous. The New York Jets own the sixth overall selection in the first round. They have so many needs that they can venture off in many different directions with that key selection.

I wrote several weeks ago that Gang Green should sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. That would clear up a spot for them to draft another area of need — cornerback. Let’s face it, New York does not have a true No. 1 corner. Sad but true. Morris Claiborne is a No. 2 at best and he may leave via free agency. Buster Skrine, Juston Burris and Darryl Roberts are probably best suited as nickel backs. An upgrade at the position is seriously required.

That’s why the Jets need to take a very close look at Joshua Jackson of Iowa.

The Corinth, TX native was a unanimous All-American as a junior in 2017 and was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. The 6-1, 192-pounder had eight interceptions last year, tops in the nation, including three in Iowa’s upset victory over Ohio State. Jackson ran two picks back for touchdowns last season as well. He added 18 passes defensed, a forced fumble and 48 tackles. He did everything put sell programs at Kinnick Stadium.

Let’s take a look at some of his college highlights via YouTube:

The first thing that jumps off the screen is what a superb athlete Jackson is. That one-handed interception against Ohio State was simply spectacular. He has good height and reach for a cornerback and excellent leaping ability. Jackson is a very instinctive player with a real nose for the football. Although he does not possess breakaway speed, he is still pretty quick, especially in the open field. He is not easy to track down from behind.

Jackson is strong in press coverage. He can jam a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage in bump and run and use his athleticism to deflect passes away. He has good closing speed on the football as well. Jackson does need to improve his open field tackling but that should improve with better technique and coaching on the pro level.

Next: Grading each 2017 first-round pick after rookie year

The Jets will have an interesting decision to make if both Jackson and defensive end Bradley Chubb are available with the sixth overall pick. Jackson is a top corner while Chubb is considered the best edge rusher in the draft. Both are dynamic players. Gang Green desperately needs help in both areas. My prediction is, if Chubb is still on the board, then general manager Mike Maccagnan will grab him. If not, then Jackson would certainly be a tremendous selection as well. He would give the Jets a true number one cornerback with huge upside.