Name: Asa Jackson (pronounced Ace-uh)
Ideal Position: Free Safety
Measurements: 5 foot 10 inches 185 lbs.
School: Cal-Poly
-This guy has very little tape out there but is creating some good draft buzz because of his productive career. 145 tackles, 5 TFLs, 6 INTs, 31 pass def, 5 FFs, TD, and a 14 yard per punt return avg.
-Like all small school prospects he will be grilled during the interview process, but even if he has bad interviews it will be hard for someone to pass him up in the 6th round.
-He has blistering speed, and seems to know the ball is coming even before the QB throws it. Could be a sign of a good ability to read the QBs eyes, or maybe just elite instincts from watching film.
-Sticks close to his man with ease because of his elite speed. Considering his proficiency for returns: only 6 INTs, but 31 pass def. screams sound decision maker to me. Doesn’t take big risks.
-Even thought he is undersized, he gets significant yards after the catch after interceptions and on returns.
-He could easily make it onto a roster as a pure KR/PR and develop into a flashy WR/DB over time.
-I would love to see Jackson make an appearance at the senior bowl against receivers like Blackmon, Floyd, Childs, or even Owusu. With the same amount of coaching as everyone else, plus the lack of chemistry between the opposing QBs and WRs would let him take advantage of mistakes.
-I like what I see from this guy, but that is easy to say when he doesn’t have to go against Arkansas or Alabama. All in all if I were a GM in the NFC I would take a long hard look at him late in the fourth, early in the fifth because if you put him back at free safety and let him be a ball hawk, you could have a serious play maker on your hands. Even if he doesn’t develop he is still one of the best return men in this draft. 4th-6th round. Possible destinations: Minnesota, Jacksonville, Arizona, Tennessee, Detroit, Denver, New England, Green Bay.
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