We are 26 days away from the beginning of the Carolina Panthers 2018 season. That means today we take a closer look at cornerback Donte Jackson.
Donte Jackson, Cornerback
Bio
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180 lbs
Age: 22
College: LSU
NFL Experience: Rookie
Jackson was the Panthers’ second round pick in the 2018. His trademark on the field is speed — he was even named the fastest player in college football entering the 2017 season — but he has been making a name for himself in training camp off of his ball skills, as well.
It seems every practice comes with reports of Jackson flying all over the field and getting in between Cam Newton, Taylor Heinicke, and Garrett Gilbert and their intended receivers. His ability to be in position to get a hand on the ball has, as often as not, been due to his recovery speed when he makes a mistake. Whether or not his speed will be enough when moving from practice to a real game will be the defining question for Jackson’s rookie season.
Between his performances and the season ending injury to Ross Cockrell, Jackson is expected to have the inside track for the number 2 corner job opposite veteran James Bradberry. Rivera prefers veterans who don’t make mistakes in their assignments to physically talented rookies. Jackson’s preseason campaign may not give the Panthers’ head coach a choice.