The Interesting Case Of The Titans Undrafted Rookie Receiver Kearis Jackson

Kearis Jackson was part of two college national championships at Georgia and is now a member of the Tennessee Titans.

NASHVILLE - Immediately following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans announced the signing of multiple undrafted free agents. Among the names on that list was that of former Georgia Bulldogs receiver Kearis Jackson.

While the evaluations of Jackson were mixed, there was a sense of intrigue about a player who would bring kick return ability, speed, and playmaking ability to an offense that desperately needs the latter offensively. 

However, Jackson's name was mysteriously absent when the rookie rosters were found inside the media center at St. Thomas Sports Park last Saturday.

Questions immediately began as to why Jackson, who had posted of his signing on social media, along with the official Georgia football page, was absent from the roster. 

Once inside the Titans practice bubble, where the rookies would conduct their second day of minicamp, we found that Jackson was indeed in attendance, though not participating in the practice.

While there was no official announcement of why Jackson was not a participant, speculation bounced around the bubble like a superball on steroids. 

During the post-practice press conference, head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Jackson's absence. 

"Just working through some things. We'll see where he's at and our ability to continue to try to add him to our roster." Vrabel said.       

Whatever the issue(s), Jackson was signed and added to the list on Monday and is now set to participate in the team's offseason program and into minicamp and training camp. 

While Jackson has a bit of a challenge in front of him to find a place on the 53-man roster, he would seem to be a solid candidate to earn a place on the team's practice squad, though he still must earn that placement before it's done.

Ports Illustrated, Draft Bible had this to say of Jackson during the predraft process.

"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." 

It's a solid bet that Jackson will be asked about his "issues" the first time he is available to speak with the media. 

Regardless, he is one to watch entering the team's upcoming minicamp and beyond as long as he remains with the team.

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