Block or Not: Eddie Jackson
Will Eddie Jackson build upon a nice rookie season to become a key piece of the Bears’ defense for years to come?
Many people were high on the Chicago Bears‘ selection of Eddie Jackson in the 2017 NFL Draft. Jackson had proven himself to be quite a ball hawk and a solid punt returner for Alabama, but a broken leg cost him the rest of his 2016 college season and allowed him to take a tumble during the NFL Draft.
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The Bears struck when the opportunity was there to select Jackson in the fourth round and he responded by turning in a very solid rookie campaign. Jackson started all 16 games for the Bears and tallied 70 tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Not to mention, he took two of those turnovers to the house. It’s hard to imagine a better rookie season for a fourth-round pick.
The Bears expect Jackson to build upon his rookie season and become an elite safety. With his ability to create turnovers, the Bears’ secondary may have the guy they need to help start creating turnovers, something the defense has been lacking for years.
Along with Jackson, the emergence of Adrian Amos last season potentially gives the Bears a safety pairing that could develop into one of the best in the league. Amos has to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke for him, and he will be out to prove his haters wrong in 2018.
Jackson, on the other hand, doesn’t have many haters, he has an entire fan base behind him and several football pundits that think the Bears may have stolen a good one in last year’s draft. Jackson still has three more years on his rookie contract and if these type of seasons continue, the Bears won’t even think about letting him go after that.
If you are a Chicago Bears’ fan, go out and purchase an Eddie Jackson jersey, he’s going to be on the team for several years to come.
Eddie Jackson: Block or Not? BLOCK