Preseason Projections for Darius Jackson

[YosemiteSam]

16 quadrillion yards and 2 TDs.

 

[JDSmith]

I can see it, even after the fine season McFadden had in 2015. I think it will depend on two factors:

First, on what Jackson himself shows the team during training camp and preseason. He has to show that he's capable and worth a roster spot. Can he pass protect if need be and contribute on special teams enough to be active on game day?

Second, how much zone blocking does this team want to run? McFadden simply can't run behind that blocking, and that forced the team to switch up schemes during the season to accommodate him. If they have enough other options, they may decide against changing schemes and decide to change players instead.

Given McFadden's most recent injury, I think Jackson's chances to make this team increased.

I look at it like this, last year McFadden ran for the same number of yards as Jackson, but DMC was doing it against NFL players. Now admittedly Jackson likely didn't have an OL like ours while playing for Eastern Michigan, but 1,089 yards isn't exactly playing like a world beater, even against guys who will likely never sniff the NFL. And his rushing total for his entire 4 year career isn't 1600 yards.

I think he's a fantastic athlete, as evinced by his pro day numbers. But IMO that's the only reason he's getting a chance to try and make the team. I think the leap in competition will be entirely too large for him and he's going to end up on the practice squad. I can't imagine they drafted him thinking he'd actually play this year. But I've been wrong before.

 

[Cowboy06]

So much of this depends on the RB's ahead of him on the depth chart. Do the Cowboys keep DMac and Dunbar? Does Morris have anything left? Considering injuries, he will have plenty of opportunities to what he has, but with Zeke and Morris likely getting the lion share, I think he makes the team based on his contributions on Special teams.

I agree, but would love to see his speed translate to the field.

 

[ksadler1]

Where's..... "Dallas tries to hide him on the practice squad and some team plucks him off and he wins a SB with them this year".....

 

[Stash]

I look at it like this, last year McFadden ran for the same number of yards as Jackson, but DMC was doing it against NFL players. Now admittedly Jackson likely didn't have an OL like ours while playing for Eastern Michigan, but 1,089 yards isn't exactly playing like a world beater, even against guys who will likely never sniff the NFL. And his rushing total for his entire 4 year career isn't 1600 yards.

I think he's a fantastic athlete, as evinced by his pro day numbers. But IMO that's the only reason he's getting a chance to try and make the team. I think the leap in competition will be entirely too large for him and he's going to end up on the practice squad. I can't imagine they drafted him thinking he'd actually play this year. But I've been wrong before.

Haven't we all?

 

[DFWJC]

I didn't really like your categories. I think it's entirely possible that he plays decently or better and still doesn't make the squad.

That was my choice

 

[DeaconMoss]

My crystal ball says Zeke, Morris, and DJ make the squad and Dunbar or DMC are unloaded to teams needing a back.

 

[jazzcat22]

Well if you give me the categories...I would gladly use them for the next round of questions. Seriously. I am doing this to spark debate, dialogue and if I'm honest some healthy arguments between the posters, such as yourself, that often make me and others think.

So, I agree with you..and there only a few slots available for the polls.

I think the categories are fine, but the wording could be a bit different, or maybe more like one added.
I voted for won't show much, and will be on PS...but that is not what I really believe.
I think he will show something, but will still be on the PS.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

It all comes down to how well he plays on STs. If he shows up there, I think he has a great chance to make the team. If he shows flashes but doesn't show consistency, then he's probably PS but he's got to show up or he won't beat out Dunbar.

JMO

 

[Cowboy06]

I think the categories are fine, but the wording could be a bit different, or maybe more like one added.
I voted for won't show much, and will be on PS...but that is not what I really believe.
I think he will show something, but will still be on the PS.

Yeah I do this fast and dirty and I think I only have spaces for the poll.

 

[rkell87]

All depends on keeping dmac which I think they do. I think jackson makes the practice squad.

I see it as zeke is the starter running the zone all game wearing down the D and remember how dmac ran against Washington in the last game? I see the team switching it up late running power and dmac punishing secondary players and hoping he breaks one every few games.

I don't see Morris getting many reps as long as zeke and dmac are healthy but he is solid insurance to both of them.

Ultimately I see us keeping 4 at times expecting one to drop due to injury. If any two of zeke dmac Morris or Dunbar get injured then Jackson makes the 53 at some point this year.

On a personal note I don't really see it with this guy but obviously it's super early and you have take a chance on somebody and this kid checks pretty much all the boxes for a third rounder or better so I don't blame the staff for taking a shot in the 5th on him.

Street on the other hand...