Someone Talk to Me about CHAD JACKSON! (1 Viewer)

[SoloMatisse]

Junior WR out of Florida. 6'1 205. Caught 27 balls in the 'hands' competition and crushed the 2nd place guy who finished with 19. He's built like Andre Johnson and caught the ball like Chad Johnson. How high is this guy going and does anyone have a feel for where he's falling and to whom? Im telling you this guy looks like a player and Ive seen him in action for a full 25 seconds. Obviously, I dont know squat about the guy. Can someone help me out. Personally, I hope he goes late 1st round so New England can get ahold of this guy.

 

[Rev]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

 

[Destroyer]

He's usually ranked in the top 3 of WR's for the upcoming draft. The other 2 are Santonio Holmes and Sinorice Moss. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders has him going #27 to the Carolina Panthers ahead of both Holmes and Moss.

 

[Jason Wood]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.Chad's draft status will be decided at the Combine. He's swearing he'll run a very fast time, but scouts insist he's too slow to warrant a 1st round grade. If he proves them wrong, his physical skills and body of work in a weak class make him a very likely 1st rounder and WR2 [behind Santonio Holmes]. If he proves them right, he likely becomes a 2nd or 3rd rounder; with a ton of upside if his "game speed" is better than the scouts fear.

One of the issues working against Chad is his YPC dropped considerably this year, but IMHO that's a byproduct of having to play in a new spread option offense under Urban Meyer.

Compelling prospect for sure

 

[cstu]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.Chad's draft status will be decided at the Combine. He's swearing he'll run a very fast time, but scouts insist he's too slow to warrant a 1st round grade. If he proves them wrong, his physical skills and body of work in a weak class make him a very likely 1st rounder and WR2 [behind Santonio Holmes]. If he proves them right, he likely becomes a 2nd or 3rd rounder; with a ton of upside if his "game speed" is better than the scouts fear.

One of the issues working against Chad is his YPC dropped considerably this year, but IMHO that's a byproduct of having to play in a new spread option offense under Urban Meyer.

Compelling prospect for sure

What impressed me was how he ran so effortlessly with great body control and was able to easily adjust to the ball. His 40 time shouldn't be a concern as long as it's sub-4.6. Even if it's over 4.6 I still think he a great prospect and would be a steal in the 2nd round.

 

[diesel7982]

Junior WR out of Florida. 6'1 205. Caught 27 balls in the 'hands' competition and crushed the 2nd place guy who finished with 19. He's built like Andre Johnson and caught the ball like Chad Johnson. How high is this guy going and does anyone have a feel for where he's falling and to whom? Im telling you this guy looks like a player and Ive seen him in action for a full 25 seconds. Obviously, I dont know squat about the guy. Can someone help me out. Personally, I hope he goes late 1st round so New England can get ahold of this guy.

I think Andre has an inch and 20 pounds on Chad.He looks like hes got skills, but he doesnt seem to have a whole lot going on upstairs, just a personal feeling.

 

[-OZ-]

How much does being a Florida WR matter, especially given that the coach is different than most of those former Gators?

I haven't seen a lot, but I like what I have seen.

Call me crazy, but I think Chad Jackson will go too high in many drafts for name recognition - those familiar will think he's Darrell Jr., and those not will think he's Chad Johnson.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

He's usually ranked in the top 3 of WR's for the upcoming draft. The other 2 are Santonio Holmes and Sinorice Moss. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders has him going #27 to the Carolina Panthers ahead of both Holmes and Moss.

I can see that, especially of Gabe Watson is gone as he likely will be. Remember that they don't need a speed guy, they have Smith and Carter. They need someone to do what Moose did and what they thought Colbert could do consistently: be a taller WR who can make the tougher catch over the middle or along the sideline. I think he can do those things regardless of what he runs at the combine.

 

[SoloMatisse]

I see Andre Johnson has 20lbs on Jackson, but it really didnt look like it. This young guy has probably bulked up beyond 205....I know 205 and he looked more like Sterling Sharpe. He just towered over the other receivers in this competition and caught everything thrown his way. Im thinking he'd be a great prospect in a high keeper or dynasty, but Im not sure Id be seriously looking at him in a redraft next year. But I do like the position that experts have him falling to if he can somehow go late in the 1st.....can you see this kid going to say New England or Pittsburgh, or even KC?? Im drooling over that prospect.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Just saw the skills challenge.

Chad Jackson positives:

*Size - He is listed at 205, but he looks at least 215-220.

*Build - Muscular

*Speed - Not sure how his 40 time will come out, but he did beat Moss in the obstacle course. At the very least his quickness and athleticism are very good.

*Hands - Strong hands. Snatches the ball out of the air, does not use his body to catch.

*Work ethic - Florida HC stated that Chad was the hardest working player that he had in the offseason.

*Competitive - He won all of the WR challenges.

Obviously you cannot draw conclusions from a skills challenge. But after watching the competition, he will be on my radar. I would be interested to hear from someone who has watched the Gators during the season.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.

Where did you find that information out Wood? During the competition the announcers went out of their way to make mention of the Moss brothers (but did not make reference to the Jacksons).

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Gator homer here, seen Chad play in pretty much all of his games.

I really feel that if he hadn't played for Meyer this year he would already be a lock for a top 15 overall pick. He was a great down the field playmaker his sophomore season, averaging over 20 yards a catch. Just watching him he had great ball skills, and often made plays downfield on the ball that you don't see very often.

This past year, Meyer used him more as the screen guy after Caldwell went down because he was the best at running with the ball after the catch. He was also often used in short hitches again because he was the best at turning a short pass into a long one. All these short passes really dampered his YPC and UF didn't throw downfield much this year at all.

He does not excel as the short possession guy that he was used as this year, he's really only average in that regard. But as a down the field guy, he is superb and even outside of his great size and speed he just makes plays on the ball and makes those long catches that aren't as simple as just running through the ball, but rather involve going up in coverage and just taking the ball away from everyone.

Like has been mentioned, he has great measurables and great hands and hence his stock should soar as we move past the combine and pro days.

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

 

[SoloMatisse]

Gator homer here, seen Chad play in pretty much all of his games.

I really feel that if he hadn't played for Meyer this year he would already be a lock for a top 15 overall pick. He was a great down the field playmaker his sophomore season, averaging over 20 yards a catch. Just watching him he had great ball skills, and often made plays downfield on the ball that you don't see very often.

This past year, Meyer used him more as the screen guy after Caldwell went down because he was the best at running with the ball after the catch. He was also often used in short hitches again because he was the best at turning a short pass into a long one. All these short passes really dampered his YPC and UF didn't throw downfield much this year at all.

He does not excel as the short possession guy that he was used as this year, he's really only average in that regard. But as a down the field guy, he is superb and even outside of his great size and speed he just makes plays on the ball and makes those long catches that aren't as simple as just running through the ball, but rather involve going up in coverage and just taking the ball away from everyone.

Like has been mentioned, he has great measurables and great hands and hence his stock should soar as we move past the combine and pro days.

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables.  Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

This is what I was looking for. Thanks BaGel. It will be an interesting draft come April, but I cant help but think our guy Jackson is going to rise above the late 20s. I could be wrong, but that type of size and athleticism just doesnt grow on trees. His older bro Darrell hasnt turned out too bad either for a Florida guy that not alot of guy thought would amount to much. Thanks for the feedback. Ill be looking to add this kid to my dynasty if things work out. I owe you a doughnut.

 

[Donnybrook]

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.

Where did you find that information out Wood? During the competition the announcers went out of their way to make mention of the Moss brothers (but did not make reference to the Jacksons).

I was surprised by this as well but I do not follow college football very closely. If he is Darrell Jackson's brother, he is sure not advertising it.

 

[cstu]

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.

Where did you find that information out Wood? During the competition the announcers went out of their way to make mention of the Moss brothers (but did not make reference to the Jacksons).

I was surprised by this as well but I do not follow college football very closely. If he is Darrell Jackson's brother, he is sure not advertising it.

I don't think they are brothers, but people are thinking they are since they are both Florida WR's named Jackson. Any homers know different?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

FWIW...

Darrell Jackson is from Dayton, OH

Chad Jackson is from Hoover, AL

 

[Bloom]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables.  Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

The Florida WR illusion/curse (and QB illusion) had everything to do with Spurrier. If anything Meyer's system played away Jackson's skills, much like Jonathan Orr in Wisconsin. Both of these size/speed WRs can do more than they were asked to do in college.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables.  Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

The Florida WR illusion/curse (and QB illusion) had everything to do with Spurrier. If anything Meyer's system played away Jackson's skills, much like Jonathan Orr in Wisconsin. Both of these size/speed WRs can do more than they were asked to do in college.

Agreed.Bloom, the more I look at the WRs out there, the more I think that IF the Steelers decide to address the position in round 1, I think they'd take Jackson, regardless of who else is available at that slot. Do you agree?

Personally, I still think they wait until later and go for someone like Nance or Stovall, but if they do go WR in round 1, I like Jackson better than Moss or Holmes for Pittsburgh.

 

[Nemesis]

Just saw the skills challenge.Chad Jackson positives:*Size - He is listed at 205, but he looks at least 215-220.*Build - Muscular*Speed - Not sure how his 40 time will come out, but he did beat Moss in the obstacle course. At the very least his quickness and athleticism are very good.*Hands - Strong hands. Snatches the ball out of the air, does not use his body to catch.*Work ethic - Florida HC stated that Chad was the hardest working player that he had in the offseason.*Competitive - He won all of the WR challenges.Obviously you cannot draw conclusions from a skills challenge. But after watching the competition, he will be on my radar. I would be interested to hear from someone who has watched the Gators during the season.

I saw only part of the skills competition, but I did see Chad's obstacle course.Question: Do they only test physical skills at that event?Because, I'd be interested in seeing what his Wonderlic score at the Combine will be. His ability to be drafted in the 1st round will take a serious hit if he posts a lower than average Wonderlic score as teams wouldn't want to take a gamble.Hopefully, someone will remember this thread and update it when it's posted from the combine.

 

[Bloom]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables.  Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

The Florida WR illusion/curse (and QB illusion) had everything to do with Spurrier. If anything Meyer's system played away Jackson's skills, much like Jonathan Orr in Wisconsin. Both of these size/speed WRs can do more than they were asked to do in college.

Agreed.Bloom, the more I look at the WRs out there, the more I think that IF the Steelers decide to address the position in round 1, I think they'd take Jackson, regardless of who else is available at that slot. Do you agree?

Personally, I still think they wait until later and go for someone like Nance or Stovall, but if they do go WR in round 1, I like Jackson better than Moss or Holmes for Pittsburgh.

I agree that of Moss, Holmes, and Jackson, Jackson makes the most sense. Moss and Holmes are not THAT much different style-wise from Ced Wilson, what we need is a bigger target that can get deep. Jackson certainly fits the bill. My #1 guy for that pick right now is Mangold, but im starting to think he wont last to 32.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables.  Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

That was more a product of Spurrier's system making them look better than they really were than anything else. I don't think there's any "hex" or anything that just says WR's that go to UF are cursed in the NFL. With Spurrier gone, I wouldn't worry much about the lack of success his WR's had in the NFL.

The Florida WR illusion/curse (and QB illusion) had everything to do with Spurrier. If anything Meyer's system played away Jackson's skills, much like Jonathan Orr in Wisconsin. Both of these size/speed WRs can do more than they were asked to do in college.

Agreed.Bloom, the more I look at the WRs out there, the more I think that IF the Steelers decide to address the position in round 1, I think they'd take Jackson, regardless of who else is available at that slot. Do you agree?

Personally, I still think they wait until later and go for someone like Nance or Stovall, but if they do go WR in round 1, I like Jackson better than Moss or Holmes for Pittsburgh.

I agree that of Moss, Holmes, and Jackson, Jackson makes the most sense. Moss and Holmes are not THAT much different style-wise from Ced Wilson, what we need is a bigger target that can get deep. Jackson certainly fits the bill. My #1 guy for that pick right now is Mangold, but im starting to think he wont last to 32.

I've been high on Mangold as well (hell, I think they should go O-line almost every year, I remember touting Adam Terry and David Baas last year at this time) but his meteoric rise of late makes me a little nervous. No particular reason regarding his play, I am simply automatically wary of anyone whose stock rises dramatically between the end of his senior year and draft day, as frequently it's based too much on what is seen in all-star games and workouts, and less on what the guy did over the course of 4 seasons of college football. That said, Mangold has the mean streak I LOVE in a lineman, and I think his skill set fits in beautifully with what the Steelers do. He would provide great C (and maybe G if he fills out) depth right away and would be a nice replacement for Hartings, who likely only has a year or two left.

 

[Possum]

FWIW...

Darrell Jackson is from Tampa, FL

Chad Jackson is from Hoover, AL

fixed... lifelong Gator fan here and I've never heard of them being brothers, either.(edit to say that Frenchy's right that Darrell was born in Ohio - but he played HS ball in Tampa)

 

[SoloMatisse]

Is Pittsburgh's 1st round pick the last of that round? If so, I really dont see Jackson going that late, or have the Steelers managed to steal someone else's pick as well? Not sure, but I just have a feeling that by the time the draft rolls around, this kid will have impressed someone enough to go around 20 if not sooner.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is Pittsburgh's 1st round pick the last of that round? If so, I really dont see Jackson going that late, or have the Steelers managed to steal someone else's pick as well? Not sure, but I just have a feeling that by the time the draft rolls around, this kid will have impressed someone enough to go around 20 if not sooner.

Pittsburgh picks #32.A lot will ride on his 40 time. If Moss/Holmes both run 4.4s and Jackson runs more in the 4.5 range, that will likely result in Jackson being the 3rd WR taken, which in this draft, could easily be #32 or later. If Jackson runs a time in line with those two, his size and upside will likely push him up the board and he will probably be gone by the time Pittsburgh selects. The Owens to Denver thing will play into it as well - with Denver having two selections in the bottom of round 1, the likelihood of them taking a receiver will be lagrely predicated on whether or not they get Owens in the fold.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

CJ just ran a 4.37 40...got to be a first rounder with the total package of size, speed and on-field production in a bigtime program. Mike Mayock before CJ ran, "I have this kid pegged as a 3rd or 4th rounder." Then as he finished and his time came in Mayock was speechless. Nice call Mike.

 

[beto]

CJ just ran a 4.37 40...got to be a first rounder with the total package of size, speed and on-field production in a bigtime program. Mike Mayock before CJ ran, "I have this kid pegged as a 3rd or 4th rounder." Then as he finished and his time came in Mayock was speechless. Nice call Mike.

LOL at Mayock.Jackson is the real deal. The only thing negative I've seen about him is someone saying he is soft. I wonder if that has any truth.

 

[KTM]

CJ just ran a 4.37 40...got to be a first rounder with the total package of size, speed and on-field production in a bigtime program. Mike Mayock before CJ ran, "I have this kid pegged as a 3rd or 4th rounder." Then as he finished and his time came in Mayock was speechless. Nice call Mike.

LOL at Mayock.Jackson is the real deal. The only thing negative I've seen about him is someone saying he is soft. I wonder if that has any truth.

His fastest official time (2nd run) was 4.32.

 

[Birdie048]

I've seen some reports where he is a 3rd rounder and alot of hype here for him as a late 1st/early 2nd round. That is a big differene IMO. (I think it was nflscout.com site)

In a dynasty format, I think he could be a solid 2nd round pick depending where he lands. I think too much of his value is based on where he lands.

 

[Otis]

This kid is an absolute animal.

 

[cstu]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.Chad's draft status will be decided at the Combine. He's swearing he'll run a very fast time, but scouts insist he's too slow to warrant a 1st round grade. If he proves them wrong, his physical skills and body of work in a weak class make him a very likely 1st rounder and WR2 [behind Santonio Holmes]. If he proves them right, he likely becomes a 2nd or 3rd rounder; with a ton of upside if his "game speed" is better than the scouts fear.

One of the issues working against Chad is his YPC dropped considerably this year, but IMHO that's a byproduct of having to play in a new spread option offense under Urban Meyer.

Compelling prospect for sure

What impressed me was how he ran so effortlessly with great body control and was able to easily adjust to the ball. His 40 time shouldn't be a concern as long as it's sub-4.6. Even if it's over 4.6 I still think he a great prospect and would be a steal in the 2nd round.

4.32?? Are you kidding me? Jackson should be the consensus #1 WR now.

 

[Bloom]

Well, Florida wideouts haven't been as successful in the NFL, but this guy sounds like he has some measurables. Yet, success in a passing drill predicts NFL production like a jog to the outhouse predicts his 40 time.

Oddly enough, the one Florida receiver who has had material NFL success recently, Darrell Jackson, is Chad's older brother.Chad's draft status will be decided at the Combine. He's swearing he'll run a very fast time, but scouts insist he's too slow to warrant a 1st round grade. If he proves them wrong, his physical skills and body of work in a weak class make him a very likely 1st rounder and WR2 [behind Santonio Holmes]. If he proves them right, he likely becomes a 2nd or 3rd rounder; with a ton of upside if his "game speed" is better than the scouts fear.

One of the issues working against Chad is his YPC dropped considerably this year, but IMHO that's a byproduct of having to play in a new spread option offense under Urban Meyer.

Compelling prospect for sure

What impressed me was how he ran so effortlessly with great body control and was able to easily adjust to the ball. His 40 time shouldn't be a concern as long as it's sub-4.6. Even if it's over 4.6 I still think he a great prospect and would be a steal in the 2nd round.

4.32?? Are you kidding me? Jackson should be the consensus #1 WR now.

he will be in the next rookie 100

 

[SoloMatisse]

Um, wow......under 4.4?? Thats out of control. Not sure where he's going, but from seeing him on display in the skills challenge, and now clocking that speed, he's a mid 1st pick, imo. Some WR always goes early....Im thinking he may sneak into the top 15 which sucks because Im not sure he'd be around for New England to even think about. But SOFT? I wonder how that label developed. Keep your eyes on him, fellas. Ive got the 7th and 12th overalls in a rookie draft, keeper format, and you know how everyone falls all over the backs. Im keeping CJ on the top of the short list for either of those picks.

 

[higgins]

 

[Nemesis]

I'd be interested in seeing what his Wonderlic score at the Combine will be. His ability to be drafted in the 1st round will take a serious hit if he posts a lower than average Wonderlic score as teams wouldn't want to take a gamble.

Anyone have has his Wonderlic?

 

[SoloMatisse]

I'd be interested in seeing what his Wonderlic score at the Combine will be.  His ability to be drafted in the 1st round will take a serious hit if he posts a lower than average Wonderlic score as teams wouldn't want to take a gamble.

Anyone have has his Wonderlic?

Wonderlic for a WR is the equivalent of a 40 time for a chef......Im thinking is not really factoring in much. In other words.....Speed and Hands > Reading Ability and Communication Skills

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Jason

Not saying I dont believe you but do you have anything that supports they are brothers?

I have never heard this.

 

[cstu]

Unofficial... 4.29

 

[cstu]

Um, wow......under 4.4?? Thats out of control. Not sure where he's going, but from seeing him on display in the skills challenge, and now clocking that speed, he's a mid 1st pick, imo. Some WR always goes early....Im thinking he may sneak into the top 15 which sucks because Im not sure he'd be around for New England to even think about. But SOFT? I wonder how that label developed. Keep your eyes on him, fellas. Ive got the 7th and 12th overalls in a rookie draft, keeper format, and you know how everyone falls all over the backs. Im keeping CJ on the top of the short list for either of those picks.

After running 4.37 and 4.29, I think he's top 10 now or very close to it. Like you I loved his ability at the skills challenge and having that kind of speed on top of it is SICK.

 

[Bloom]

Jackson is easily the #1 WR on my rookie draft board after those times. Someone is going to draft him to be their future #1. Im not sure he gets past Denver at 22 now. Ive tentatively slotted him at #5 overall in the post-combine 100 (still under construction)

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason

Not saying I dont believe you but do you have anything that supports they are brothers?

I have never heard this.

Appears I'm completely mistaken. I could've sworn when CJ was coming on in Florida hearing that he went to UF b/c of Darrell. But either a) I did hear that and it was in error or b) I misinterpreted what I heard in the first place. Doesn't appear they're related.As to CJ running a 4.32 ...I would say definitively he's now the clear WR1 above Santonio Holmes. At the very least the guy is a 1st rounder.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Jason

Not saying I dont believe you but do you have anything that supports they are brothers?

I have never heard this.

Appears I'm completely mistaken. I could've sworn when CJ was coming on in Florida hearing that he went to UF b/c of Darrell. But either a) I did hear that and it was in error or b) I misinterpreted what I heard in the first place. Doesn't appear they're related.As to CJ running a 4.32 ...I would say definitively he's now the clear WR1 above Santonio Holmes. At the very least the guy is a 1st rounder.

What do you think about your Eagles nabbing him at #14?

 

[Dave Baker]

I like Jackson a lot. Seems like the most polished receiver coming out. But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me. I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

 

[Jason Wood]

I like Jackson a lot. Seems like the most polished receiver coming out. But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me. I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

Fair, but there's too much NFL history to suggest his time won't lock him into a high draft spot. It would've been one thing if he ran that time at 5'9", 180...but he's 213. If he's not a mid first rounder, I'll be stunned.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I like Jackson a lot. Seems like the most polished receiver coming out. But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me. I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

No doubt. I am higher on the guy than most, for the following reasons.His weaknesses, as I've seen detailed on draft sites, include the following :

Has basically only one year of starting experience - this leads me to believe he has a lot of upside, particularly with a team that doesn't need him to be an impact guy right away.

Needs to get stronger, is not very physical - strength can/will increase after training with NFL coaches/trainers - this doesn't worry me as much for a WR. How many receivers in the NFL can rightly be called "physical" anyway?

Was not a major deep threat as a junior - he didn't really get the opportunity in Urban Meyer's spread offense. Simply put, he's going to get the ball on slants and quick timing patterns FAR more often than he is flying down the field, hence his 88 catches for only 900. However, the prior year, in Zook's more conventional offense, he averaged almost 23 yards per catch, tallying 648 yards and 6 TDs on only 29 receptions. Seems to me that the deep threat ability is there in spades.

Recent Florida WRs haven't had a lot of success. Maybe true under Spurrier, but a really weak reason to knock someone, IMO. Penn State running backs were supposed to suck too, someone tell that to Larry Johnson. Besides which, Jackson played in a completely different system than Travis Taylor, Reidel Anthony, etc... Unless the insinuation is that something in the water in Gainesville saps you of your ability to have NFL success, this criticism is bunk.

Bottom line : At 6' 200 lbs and running 4.32 times, the guy should (and likely will) be the first WR off the board, perhaps as early as #14 to Philly. I like his upside better than Holmes or Moss.

 

[Dave Baker]

I like Jackson a lot.  Seems like the most polished receiver coming out.  But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me.  I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

Fair, but there's too much NFL history to suggest his time won't lock him into a high draft spot. It would've been one thing if he ran that time at 5'9", 180...but he's 213. If he's not a mid first rounder, I'll be stunned.

No, you're right on when you say that he'll be drafted highly because of his time (plus his skills and size), I was just trying to say the actual time meant less to me than perhaps many others.

 

[Jason Wood]

I like Jackson a lot.  Seems like the most polished receiver coming out.  But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me.  I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

Fair, but there's too much NFL history to suggest his time won't lock him into a high draft spot. It would've been one thing if he ran that time at 5'9", 180...but he's 213. If he's not a mid first rounder, I'll be stunned.

No, you're right on when you say that he'll be drafted highly because of his time (plus his skills and size), I was just trying to say the actual time meant less to me than perhaps many others.

 

[SoloMatisse]

HOLY "Slapmeupsidethehead" BATMAN!.....4.29? Ridiculous. His official size at the combine was 6'1 213. This is one sleeper that I think will be waking people up in a hurry. He'll be one of the more interesting players to watch approaching the draft. Top 10 may be the right call....but again, hopefully just outside the top 20. WRs taken in the top 10 tend to get big heads.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I like Jackson a lot.  Seems like the most polished receiver coming out.  But his impressive 40 time doesn't do much for me.  I just don't think he plays that fast.

That doesn't mean I think less of his prospects, it just means playing speed means a lot more to me than a 40 time.

Fair, but there's too much NFL history to suggest his time won't lock him into a high draft spot. It would've been one thing if he ran that time at 5'9", 180...but he's 213. If he's not a mid first rounder, I'll be stunned.

No, you're right on when you say that he'll be drafted highly because of his time (plus his skills and size), I was just trying to say the actual time meant less to me than perhaps many others.

its a cliche that jerry rice, the greatest WR ever, had pedestrian timed speed coming out of college... he did have freakish short area burst & explosion... DBs always seemed to be chasing him in the openfield...since it looks like chad is a very possible mid-first round pick, here is a look at WRs drafted within top 20 picks in last ten drafts...

1996 - Keyshawn Johnson (1.1), Terry Glenn (1.9), Eddie Kennison (1.18), Marvin Harrison (1.19)

1997 - Ike Hilliard (1.7), Yatil Green (1.15), Reidel Anthony (1.16)

1998 - Kevin Dyson (1.16)

1999 - Torry Holt (1.6), David Boston (1.8), Troy Edwards (1.13)

2000 - Peter Warrick (1.4), Plaxico Burress (1.8), Travis Taylor (1.10)

2001 - David Terrell (1.8), Koren Robinson (1.9), Rod Gardner (1.15), Santana Moss (1.16)

2002 - Donte' Stallworth (1.13), Ashley Lelie (1.19), Javon Walker (1.20)

2003 - Charles Rogers (1.2), Andre Johnson (1.3), Bryant Johnson (1.17)

2004 - Larry Fitzgerald (1.3), Roy Williams (1.7), Reggie Williams (1.9), Lee Evans (1.13), Michael Clayton (1.15)

2005 - Braylon Edwards (1.3), Troy Williamson (1.7), Mike Williams (1.10)

any patterns or principles to be extracted from this limited sample?

one thing that stands out... even with all these top 20 WRs from their respective drafts, not a lot had/have chad's triangle numbers... he sounds like he is similar size to roy williams (who is listed at 6'2"+ & 212)... did roy run a 4.3 (i don't recall if he ran at combine, but where ever he ran i think it was more like a 4.4)...

some of the busts & underperformers from above (32 WRs) were either shorter, lighter, slower or some combination... david boston also had similar size & speed (coming out of college)... he might have been great if his career hadn't been derailed by roid-fueled body builder antics that ill-advisedly & sadly balooned him up to NT size.