Chad Jackson 6'2 - 205
Chad Jackson became Chris Leak's favorite target in 2005 as evidenced by his 90 receptions. In fact, Jackson only had two games all season where he was held in check -- back to back games against LSU and Georgia, where he had a combined 8 catches for 50 yards and 0 TDs. Jackson has outstanding speed and is a great deep ball threat as shown his sophomore year when he averaged more than 22 yards a catch. In 2005 he became more of a possession receiver, but still had an 80-yard TD grab and managed to find the endzone 9 times through the air (he added another 2 TDs on 16 carries).
Jackson also impressed me this season with his power and strength. He's not an easy player to tackle and with so many corners proving to be inept at the art of tackling, Jackson can pick up extra yards breaking arm tackles. Jackson will need to improve his focus as he will frequently drop the easy balls if he hears footsteps or is looking to make a play before securing the ball.
Jackson declared early for the 2006 NFL Draft after requesting a grade from the NFL Advisory Committee. He said he'd go back to school unless he learned that he was expected to be a first or second round pick, and that, apparently, is what he heard. In a shaky WR class, Jackson will likely hear his name called in the middle to the end of the second round.
