39 Days Until Chicago Bears 2017 Season Kicks Off: Eddie Jackson Profile
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway. With 39 days to go until the Bears season kicks off we will highlight the Bears player that is wearing number 39, safety Eddie Jackson.
2016 Season Review
The Chicago Bears selected Eddie Jackson with the 112th overall selection in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Jackson spent his college days at Alabama where he made a name for himself for his spectacular punt returns and ability to create turnovers.
Jackson was having a solid senior campaign before he broke his leg in week eight against Texas A&M and ended his season.
2017 Season Outlook
Jackson’s 2017 season is looking up. Jackson is already on the field and practicing with the team. Most expected Jackson to be in a sub role within the Bears’ secondary and perhaps make a name for himself as a rookie on punt returns.
Jackson’s early returns have been excellent at training camp.
#Bears coach John Fox praising ball skills of S Eddie Jackson, who had a pick today, saying punt returners can track ball like outfielders.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) July 30, 2017
#Bears rookie S Eddie Jackson flies across the field to steal Mark Sanchez pass intended for Josh Bellamy. Second pick in as many practices.
— Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) August 2, 2017
Bears rookie safety Eddie Jackson said he's at 100 percent health for the first time since suffering a broken leg last October at Alabama.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) July 28, 2017
It’s only a few practices and it’s nowhere close to game conditions, but Jackson already looks like he’s going to push Adrian Amos for the starting slot alongside Quintin Demps. Amos has that centerfielder mentality and thus has the ability to track the ball, make plays, and cause turnovers. The Bears desperately need turnovers, something Amos has no ability to do. If Demps and Jackson start and are effective for the Bears, the Bears finally might have a secondary that can force turnovers and give the offense a short field.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Future with Bears
There is no reason to think Jackson doesn’t have an excellent future with the Bears. Jackson would have been higher than a fourth round pick if it wasn’t for the broken leg. Not only is Jackson appear to be a talented piece for the secondary, but he could also be a talented returner for the special teams, maybe not Devin Hester, but a playmaker nevertheless.
The Bears have added keeper pieces on the offense and along the defensive front seven, but they don’t have any lock building blocks in the secondary. They have some young pieces like Cre’von LeBlanc, Bryce Callahan and even perhaps Deiondre Hall, but none of them are locks to become future stars in the NFL. Jackson may be on his way to becoming the first one of the Ryan Pace regime.