[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by SNR

Yeah. I seem to remember all of Jackson's scouting reports from 2009 saying the exact same thing that McShay just said about Lotulelei. Stuff like, "great size and natural tools" and "can help collapse the pocket as an inside rusher." Which, btw, was a total ****ing lie in the case of Jackson.

In general, the Chiefs have tried generating pass rush on the line for years with guys that play the 3-tech in the 4-3, expecting them to get pressure by "collapsing the pocket." Against great QBs in the modern NFL, you don't have any time to collapse a pocket. That's why we are terrible against great QB'd teams with our DL ever since we switched to the 3-4.

Just a couple.

Tyson Jackson Scouting Report:
LSU's Tyson Jackson is a big defensive end who could potentially play defensive tackle as well in the NFL. At his size, he's an every-down player who holds up exceptionally well against the run yet is still a solid pass rusher. He also has good strength, has a solid motor, and plays with a little bit of a mean streak.

Jackson is quick for his size, and comes off the edge surprisingly well. He has a nice long wing span that he uses to keep defenders from getting inside on him. He does have a tendency at times, though, of playing too high and letting blockers get into his chest.

He does have a lot of experience as a starter, has good leadership skills, and has been durable throughout his college career. As well as fitting in as either a left end or an under tackle in a 4-3 defense, Jackson would be ideal playing end in a 3-4 set.

Jackson showed flashes of what was to come as a freshman, when he had 13 tackles, two for loss, and two sacks in reserve action. As a sophomore, he earned all SEC honors when he finished the season with 37 tackles, ten for loss, 8.5 sacks, and an interception. Bigger things were expected as a junior, and while he still had a fine season, the stats didn’t show it. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks on the year. Jackson’s numbers were very similar as a senior, when he finished with 34 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

Strengths

Jackson brings a lot of versatility to the defensive line. He has the size and all around skill to impact the game in a lot of ways. He has an impressive set of tools, starting with excellent size for a defensive end. He is also a good athlete and can provide pressure on the quarterback on the edge. What sets him apart as an end though, is his run stopping ability. This may make him an ideal fit for a 3-4 defense, because he is stout at the point of attack and can really clog running lanes. Jackson could play end in a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment, but may also be able to shift inside in a 4-3. That type of versatility is going to ensure Jackson gets a lot of attention as the draft approaches, because he can fit any team that has a hole along the defensive line.

Weaknesses

For a traditional defense end, Jackson may lack the explosive athleticism and quickness to be a consistent threat off the edge. His pass rush ability at the college level has a lot to do with his natural strength and ability to control the lineman, then use his athleticism to get into the backfield. In the NFL, he will not have such a physical advantage and will have to learn new ways to apply pressure.

Future

For a team in need of a 3-4 end, Jackson may be the ideal fit. He is a standout at holding his ground, taking on blocks and stopping the run. He could bring above average penetration skills for a 3-4 end also. He can also fill holes in the 4-3, but fills a more specific role in a 3-4 alignment. He is the top player available in that role, so he really could go anywhere from the early teens to the end of the first based on the team drafting.

Strengths: Nice height and strength ... Consistent production ... Athletic enough to beat and pursue ... Strong at the point of attack ... Displays a great rip move ... Gets low, uses hands well on bull rush ... Disciplined player who plays within the scheme; does not get out of control or take himself out of the play ... Gets hands up and bats down passes ... Anchor against the run ... Draws double teams occasionally ... Versatile as a 4-3 left defensive end, or an athletic 5-technique.

Weaknesses: Does not get much explosion off the snap ... Sometimes gets too high ... Did not play his best in big games ... Does not show much range ... Questionable instincts ... Needs to have more of a motor ... Does not present a high upside.

Summary: Jackson is a talented player, but he leaves some effort on the field and that worries me. He could go to a team lacking a powerful left defensive end, or to a team looking for a 5-technique to anchor the run. Like most, I have mixed views on Jackson as a prospect, and that puts him in the very low first round to second round.

Player Comparison: Ty Warren. Warren is a tough 5-technique for the Patriots, but not much of a pass rusher. Jackson loses some pass rush ability in the 3-4 scheme, but it all depends on how he is utilized, like Warren.