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3 things to watch for in Preseason Week 1

By Danny Jaillet

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 01: Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 01: Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Speedy Noil #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a catch as Donte Jackson #1 of the LSU Tigers makes the tackle in the second half at Kyle Field on November 24, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Speedy Noil #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a catch as Donte Jackson #1 of the LSU Tigers makes the tackle in the second half at Kyle Field on November 24, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Donte Jackson’s performance

The rookie from LSU has had a great camp and his swagger and personality have really become trademarks of his. Along with Rashaan Gaulden, he has become a focal point of the team’s defense as they build the roster with an eye towards the future.

Currently, Jackson is behind Kevon Seymour at the left cornerback position and figures to see a lot of snaps Thursday. What I would watch for with him is whether or not he plays confident and cocky. Guys like Richard Sherman and Josh Norman (who Jackson has been compared to) played cocky and made it part of their persona on and off the field.

It will be interesting to watch his strengths and weaknesses as they relate to professional football. Does he play his man straight up or does he tend to cushion him? Is he the type of corner that is focused on the interception or does he prefer to lay the big hit? We can judge his style of play partly by his college statistics, but he may have picked up other tips during training camp.

One has to wonder if Jackson will face Kelvin Benjamin at all during the course of the game. If so, that will be very fun to watch.

Personally, I expect big things from the rookie now and in the future. He has the makeup to be a top corner in the National Football League, and it all starts Thursday.

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