The 2024 NFL Draft is just over one week away as the first selection is rapidly approaching. We take a look at Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson who brings scheme versatility with the ability to be physical in press or off-man coverage.
Jackson was a four-star recruit by ESPN and a four-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually opted to take the JUCO route at Fort Scott Community College before transferring to Alabama in 2021 and Oregon in 2023.
In 2023, Jackson amassed 34 tackles (25 solo), seven pass break-ups, three interceptions, and two sacks. During the same season, opposing quarterbacks had a 41.6 QBR when they targeted Jackson.
Khyree Jackson, Cornerback, Oregon
Name: Khyree Jackson
Jersey: No. 5
Position: Cornerback
School: Oregon
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 195 lbs.
40-Yard Dash: 4.50
10-Yard Split: 1.50
Vertical: 36.5
Hand Size: 9 1/4″
Arm: 32 3/4″
Awards: First Team All-Pac 12 (2023)
Games Watched: Utah (2023), USC (2023), Texas Tech (2023), Washington (2023)
Major Injury History: None
Khyree Jackson is such a smooth mover. Doesn’t even look like he’s going top speed and finds another gear. pic.twitter.com/qV3TzcgtHS
— Gino Cammilleri (@GC24_Football) January 30, 2024
Khyree Jackson’s Strengths
Jackson has elite length and size, allowing himself to win in press man while utilizing his physical attributes. Good bend and UOH to jam receivers in press. Good fluidity to switch his hips and transition to stay with his man. Strong ability to stay inside the hip pocket of a receiver, not allowing room for separation. Very good ball-tracking skills with excellence in locating the ball and forcing pass break-ups or contested catches. Displays a good ability in sitting in zone coverage with good awareness and lateral agility. Consistent, open-field tackler with good technique and physicality.
Khyree Jackson’s Weaknesses
Jackson displays slight stiffness and adequate foot quickness, making it difficult to keep up with more athletic receivers. He lacks long speed to keep up with deep threats out wide. He also possesses inexperience in man coverage and inconsistent reaction speed. Jackson’s over-aggressiveness could lead to penalties.
Summary
Khyree Jackson is a true disruptor in the secondary, showcasing his presence at the catch point and challenging receivers in contested scenarios. His best ability is in press/zone coverage due to his awareness, UOH, and physicality while demonstrating leadership. Refinement is needed in man coverage due to his over-aggressiveness and lack of reaction speed with the worry of keeping pace with faster receivers out wide. With that being said, his NFL-caliber run support is very intriguing to some aggressive scouts and coaches at the next level. Jackson boasts elite size, strength, and IQ that will develop into a very good contributor in the secondary.
Pro Comparison: James Bradberry
Draft Projection: Third Round
Grade: Second Round
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