The Tennessee Titans signed a slew of undrafted free agents after the 2023 NFL draft, one of whom was reportedly Georgia wide receiver Kearis Jackson.
However, as rookie minicamp began, Jackson was not listed among the official signings, which led to questions about what happened. While we didn’t get an exact answer, Jackson did eventually sign on Monday.
Wide receiver remains the best avenue for undrafted free agents to crack the Titans’ roster, as the team did nothing to adequately address what is its biggest weakness going into 2023.
While it’s hard to expect anything out of an undrafted free agent, Jackson is among the candidates to possibly make the cut at wide receiver if he can manage to stick through the spring.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what the Titans are getting in the undrafted free agent via scouting reports from experts prior to the 2023 NFL draft.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
SUMMARY: Kearis (Kee-AIR-us) Jackson was an All-State receiver at Peach County with 47 receptions for 852 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. He led the team to a 13-2 record and the 2017 state title game. He also captured the 2017 state shot-put championship (51’4”). A four-star recruit, he passed on Alabama and other suitors to stay in Georgia. He set career bests as a sophomore in 2020 but was more of a part-timer over his final two seasons in Athens. He also handled punt return duties (8.0 average). Jackson is underwhelming from a size/speed/strength perspective and struggled to earn more of a target share in a productive passing offense. He catches the ball well with body control to adjust to his surroundings. He works well at every level of the field, but physical corners will give him trouble. Overall, Jackson is a sure-handed receiver with dynamic qualities, but he needs to learn how to more efficiently use those traits to create before and after the catch.
GRADE: Priority Free Agent
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Overview
Compact slot receiver with a lack of impressive production but flashes of talent as a zone-beater on intermediate routes. Jackson doesn’t have early explosiveness into the route, but he builds up speed cruising through open spaces. He’s not a natural hands-catcher but didn’t drop many balls and showed an ability to catch through contact in 2022. Jackson needs an accurate passer due to his limited catch radius and jump-ball potential. Given his kick return ability and willingness to get after it as a blocker, he has avenues to a roster spot.
Strengths
Route turns are smooth.
Loose upper body to contort and snare the football.
Showed improved contested-catch toughness in 2022.
Catches with body control and toe drag swag near sideline.
More willing than most slot receivers to get after run blocking.
Handled punt and kickoff return duties at Georgia.
Weaknesses
Shorter arms limit his ability to rescue off-frame throws.
Not much acceleration into the drive phase of the route.
Average top-end speed and average route separation.
Not overly dynamic to wow NFL coaches after the catch.
Damian Parson, The Draft Network
Top Reasons to Buy In:
Kick/punt return value
Combination of height, weight, and speed
Potential gadget option
Top Reasons For Concern:
Lack of production
Limited reps
Alignment versatility
The NFL Draft Bible, Sports Illustrated
Evaluation:
Deployed as a slot receiver in a vertical offense, Jackson is mainly asked to run deep and intermediate routes, which suits his ability to keep his pads square and sink his hips into breaks. Despite fighting the ball, he comes down with more catches in traffic than expected, laying out for passes. After the catch, Jackson displays great vision and uses his above average speed to pick up extra yards. He is a serviceable blocker with good effort. Ankle stiffness prevents him from getting into his breaks and turning tight corners. Jackson lets the ball get into his chest frequently and does not have the hands to catch the ball on a reliable basis. He gets bumped off of his route by physical defenders. When releasing he uses his hands, showing a lack of suddenness. Jackson does not improvise in his routes, failing to adjust to coverage. A lack of urgency against zone coverage, causes him to be late into windows. Deep and intermediate slot receiver with good vision after the catch. Jackson has above average speed and is able to sink his hips. Ankle stiffness and a habit of fighting the football prevent him from separating and catching the ball reliably. Jackson projects as a camp wideout who is best as a slot receiver in a vertical offense. He has an outside shot of making a roster if he can contribute on special teams.
Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
Strengths: Athletic receiver with next-level testing numbers. Very quick, agile, and plays with outstanding balance and body control. Tracks the pass in the air and displays outstanding focus as well as eye/hand coordination. Gets vertical, effectively times receptions, and comes away with the difficult grab.
Settles into the open spot of the field, extends his hands to offer the quarterback a target, and makes the reception away from his frame. Adjusts to the errant throw, gets down to scoop up low passes, and makes the reception in stride. Displays good route discipline.
Weaknesses: Was never overly involved in Georgia’s passing offense. Totaled 37 receptions, 514 receiving yards, and just one touchdown the past two seasons. Doesn’t have an extensive route tree.
Overall: At face value, Jackson possesses the size, speed, and pass-catching ability to make a roster as a third or fourth receiver. But he’s been a very streaky player with minimal production. Jackson projects as a late-round choice and a developmental prospect with tremendous upside. If he ever puts a complete game together, Jackson has enough ability to contribute on Sundays.
Pre-draft scouting reports for other Titans rookies
