J.C. Jackson was drafted back in 2018 as an undrafted free agent. Here and there, you’ll hear stories about those guys. I’m talking about the ones who are considered one of the best players in their draft class, but they, unfortunately, get overlooked and a team won’t draft them. The New England Patriots took a chance on J.C., a defensive back out of Maryland. During his rookie season, he was a member of the Patriots team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Since then, his game has elevated. I understood why New England decided to trade Stephon Gilmore away because J.C. made him expendable. After a solid 2021 season, J.C was expected to test free agency. Next season, he will be playing football in Inglewood, California as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
J.C. has become one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in a short period. When the football is in his vicinity, he’s going to make a play on it whether it’s an interception or a deflection. He has a true nose for the football and not only that, he has great ball skills to finish the play. J.C. is showing time and time again that you don’t want to test him because when you do, he makes you pay for it. One thing he has is hands for a cornerback. This is a sure-handed guy on the defensive side that has the confidence to come away with every pass in his area as I said a few sentences ago. J.C. is a magnetic force to the football. He knows how to stay with a receiver step for step and can undercut a route when necessary. What impresses me is how he does everything on the island meaning he’s one on one with no assistance from a safety over the top. This is a smart football player who plays at a high level every week.
It’s another big move for the AFC West. Russell Wilson joined the Broncos last Tuesday and these same Chargers acquired Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears just last Thursday. In the last two seasons, J.C. has a total of 17 interceptions. This gives the Chargers a cornerback who can line up against the oppositions’ top receiver. He’s gone from undrafted to a big-time contract.
