[tps_title]2017 NFL combine: 5 safety prospects to watch for the Dallas Cowboys[/tps_title]
[4/5] Eddie Jackson, Alabama (6’0″, 194)
I think the Dallas Cowboys could be paying close attention to Eddie Jackson because they like how well coached the Alabama players are coming out of college. Personally, I’m not a big fan of Jackson’s. He is a converted cornerback and is more of a finesse player that tends to shy away from just about any kind of contact.
Having said that though, Jackson could be a really good free safety in the NFL if he’s not asked to play around the line of scrimmage or make tackles in the running game. He’s definitely not a player you want as your safety blanket, but that could be overlooked if he continues to come away with interceptions like he did in college.
Since he is a former cornerback, I expect him to look like one of the more fluid safeties in the different agility drills at the combine. I will be paying particularly close attention to see what his 40 yard dash time will end up being, especially since he is likely to be a centerfield type safety in the NFL and they generally have to cover a lot of ground.
I think he will be a Day Two selection, but I wouldn’t draft him unless he was still there in the third round for the Dallas Cowboys.
“”I expect him (Obi) to perform really well in all of the different combine events, especially the broad jump and vertical jump.”
Man, you were prescient! He was the Combine’s best in both.
It’s
all about his game film. His athleticism really jumps out studying him.