William Jackson III, a cornerback from the University of Houston, had an absolute tremendous performance at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks ago. Veteran draft analyst Mike Mayock raved about Jackson’s performance and how he could be a late first-round draft pick.
“William Jackson is going to climb. His tape is good and now he’s a sub 4.4 (40) guy.”
Mayock also added how productive Jackson was in college.
“He had seven passes broken up versus Temple and also had five interceptions on the year. So, you want to talk about ball production and being around and making plays, this kid did it.”
William Jackson III Combine Stats:
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 189 lbs
Arm Length: 31 3/4 inches
*40 Yard Dash: 4.37 seconds
Hand Size: 9 1/4″
Bench Press: 10 reps
Broad Jump: 116 inches
I highlighted his 40 yard dash time because many of the NFL analysts really raved about this statistic. His quick 40 time was a factor that moved him higher on the draft board.
When you watch tape on Jackson you see a quick, decisive, player who is one of the more physical CB’s in this year’s draft class. His stats show that he has a high football IQ and the knack for the ball. In his 2015 season, he had an impressive 23 passes defended along with 5 interceptions.
Jackson was listed as a potential third-round draft pick prior to his stellar combine performance. After the combine, and many compliments from NFL analysts, his draft stock rose to a potential first-round pick. A tall, physical, decisive, cornerback could be the perfect fit for a team that struggles in the secondary, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers organization could get him with the 25th pick of the 2016 NFL draft. The tape doesn’t lie and his statistics are excellent. I would enjoy having an athletic and instinctive cornerback on Pittsburgh’s roster.
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DaveB.
April 12, 2016 at 6:19 pm
If hes available at 25 , they would be crazy , for lack of a better word to not take him . This secondary has to be fixed if they want to contend for another Super Bowl . Its as simple as that .
DrGeorge
April 12, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Right you are, DaveB. But I wouldn’t limit the possibilities to WJ III. If we assume that Golson is fully recovered and has learned enough to contribute, it gives us another small, speedy cover corner. What we need to balance him is a strong rangy CB who can cover tight ends. There are several in the draft that fit that description.
Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers go for a D-lineman on the first pick with the size and strength of Casey Hampton. With McClendon gone, we need someone who can clog the middle. Colbert usually goes for the best available athlete that meets a need; our D has so many needs (CB, NG, S, and DT), he can hardly go wrong picking the best available at any of those positions.