The New Orleans Saints were one of several teams to fly in Miami Hurricanes pass rusher Joe Jackson on a visit ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Jackson also met with the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans.
Jackson was a playmaker in college, getting into the starting lineup as a true freshman and holding onto his spot at right defensive end until he declared for the draft after his junior season. He appeared in 35 games and recorded 35.5 tackles tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, 5 pass deflections (and an interception, which he returned for 42 yards and a touchdown), and five forced fumbles (recovering two of them). He’s good at football.
However, the 6-foot-4, 275 pound Jackson didn’t time well in pre-draft athletic testing. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds, and posted a three-cone time of just 7.80 seconds; low numbers by NFL standards. He’s projected to be picked on the third day of the draft, possibly in the fifth round.
The Saints have just three defensive ends on their roster in Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Trey Hendrickson. While free agent signee Mario Edwards Jr. can kick outside if needed, the Saints probably want him filling in for Sheldon Rankins at defensive tackle. Jackson could be a quality backup late in the draft.
