It was expected that Lamar Jackson would be among the players taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, but the Nebraska cornerback never heard his name called.
The Jets were wise to scoop up Jackson as a priority undrafted free agent. He’s a physical, lengthy cornerback who fits the mold that Gang Green is often looking for. While he may have to always deal with being mistaken for the other Lamar Jackson, he’s got a good shot of making the Jets roster and being a more than serviceable cornerback at the next level.
Let’s get to know him a little bit better.
Not that Lamar Jackson
It’s not easy to share a name in sports, especially when the person that you share that name with is the reigning NFL MVP. The Jets’ Jackson, however, wasn’t selected in the NFL draft, nor is he a Heisman Trophy winner or star quarterback.
“At first, there was really nothing to it, but of course, as the other Lamar Jackson on his football journey, he became a star,” Jackson told Press Box Online in January. “He won the Heisman. He became who he was. It’s one of those things where I’m just like, ‘The magic might just be in the name.’ He can have all the fame — he’s scoring touchdowns, he’s the quarterback — but for the most part, I’m going to be in the league, too. I’m going to be living just as well.”
What he brings to the table
A three-year starter at Nebraska, Lamar Jackson was one of the Cornhuskers’ most reliable players.
Jackson has rare size for a cornerback, standing at 6-foot-2, 208 pound with length to match. His long arms and big frame can certainly match big-play wide receivers, but the one area that he struggled in at Nebraska was covering vertical speed. Still, Jackson is the type of cornerback the Jets are looking for. New York likes big-press corners who are physical. He’ll fit perfectly into Gregg Williams’ defensive scheme.
Defensive MVP
Despite not getting drafted, Lamar Jackson had a breakout 2019 season, earning second-team All-Big 10 honors, as well as being named Nebraska’s defensive MVP.
In 2019, Jackson recorded 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He allowed a 55.7 passer rating, which ranked in the 93rd percentile among Division I cornerbacks. In addition, he allowed 5.5 yards per target allowed, which ranked in the 87th percentile.
High School Quarterback
Just like the guy on the Baltimore Ravens, Jets cornerback Lamar Jackson played quarterback in high school.
As a dual-threat quarterback, Jackson was able to play both sides of the football efficiently. However, Jackson was viewed as more of a defensive back and was ranked the top safety in the country by Rivals. In addition, Jackson was a consensus top-150 overall prospect in the country, as well as being named one of the top-20 high school football prospects in the state of California.
