Grading the Jordan Jackson Pick

The Saints added an interesting defensive tackle to an already crowded room. What can Jordan Jackson bring to the table for Ryan Nielsen?

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Apr 30, 2022 5:13 PM EDT

The Saints used their final draft selection of 2022 to take Air Force defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, which was their third straight defensive player after taking offense with their first two picks.

USATSI_17016142_168388561_lowres — Oct 23, 2021; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons defensive tackle Jordan Jackson (94) sacks San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Lucas Johnson (7) for a loss during the third quarter at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Grading the Jordan Jackson Pick

Jackson said that he thought he was getting pranked when getting the phone call from assistant general manager Jeff Ireland. He was not. He was the first player from the armed services to get an invite to the NFL Combine in five years, however, a hamstring injury forced him to miss it and he'd put on his skills at his Pro Day. In 2020, he opted out of the season to rehab a shoulder injury.

He has deferred commitment from the Air Force, so he'll be immediately ready to play for the Saints. He graduated in 2021 with a civil engineering degree. As far as his outlook with New Orleans, the first thing will be that there's going to be some stiff competition to battle. The pickup of Jackson gives the team their ninth interior guy. Of course, some of the players like Kentavius Street can be used on the outside at times, but it's a very crowded room.

Jackson puts a lot of effort on display from the quick eye test, and he uses strength and power to his advantage to eat blocks and space. Defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is going to have to help him develop as a pass-rusher. He's going to have to maximize every rep he gets, and would fit as a rotational guy.

Draft Grade: C-