Buffalo Bills go best-available corner with Dane Jackson pick
With their last pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected cornerback, Dane Jackson out of Pitt.
During his time as a Panther, the Coraopolis, Pa., native recorded a career 148 total tackles, four interceptions and 39 defended passes in 50 games played. Though Jackson did not record an interception in his 2018 junior season, he still earned an honorable mention for All-ACC honors by forcing four fumbles (tied for ninth-most in the FBS and for the conference lead).
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In his senior season, Dane Jackson started in the cornerback position, recording 43 total tackles and an interception which saw him be selected to the All-ACC Second Team in 2019. Though he did only record a single interception, that does not mean he wasn’t a playmaker as his basketball background became a large reason as to why he was so able to break up passes when challenged.
Buffalo has drafted their fair share of defensive backs in previous drafts. With the selection of Taron Johson and Siran Neal in 2018 accompanied by Jaquon Johnson in last year’s draft, the Bills certainly have a surplus of viable options to fill the starting nickel position.
When it comes to the current corner position on the Bills, it is unlikely he beats out Levi Wallace or All-Pro Tre’Davious White. With that said, Jackson can most definitely spice up the competition for the nickel as he has the mind of a quarterback. In his high school days, Jackson played quarterback. Not because he wanted to, but because his school did not have a team. This led him to join Quaker Valley High School where he threw for 2,000 yards.
Next. Quick grade for Bills selection of Dane Jackson. dark
Given his ability to see plays develop on both sides of the ball, Jackson is one of those “plug-and-play” defensive backs who can serve in man-to-man coverage as well as zone coverage. If he does not succeed in securing regular playing time with the Bills defense this season, he will be a stand-out special teams player given his athletic background.