Bold Carolina Panthers prediction for Donte Jackson ahead of 2019
Donte Jackson enters Carolina Panthers spotlight following ESPN prediction.
The Carolina Panthers parted ways with cornerback Josh Norman prior to the 2016 season and have been attempting to replace him ever since. That year, then general manager Dave Gettleman selected three straight defensive backs in the NFL Draft and only one currently remains with the team.
Second-round pick James Bradberry earned a starting position and has performed well but the Carolina defense remained in need of a similar type player to start opposite him. After another season where the secondary struggled, it was apparent using another high draft pick on a corner was necessary.
Enter Donte Jackson from “Defensive Back University” – Louisiana State (LSU). As a rookie Jackson started all 16 games and although there were a few growing pains, he recorded 74 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass breakups. By comparison, Norman had fewer tackles, less interceptions and an equal number of breakups.
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Fans gained a look into some behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson last year with Amazon’s ‘All or Nothing’ series, of which the second-year player was disappointed with how he was perceived. Potentially using the piece as motivation for a solid sophomore campaign, Jackson has been turning heads in training camp to this point.
He’s impressed enough that ESPN made a bold prediction regarding his impact on the upcoming 2019 season. Expected to become one of the elite corners in the league, Jackson’s play would boost the entire defense should it become a reality.
While Jackson, and the rest of the defensive backfield, is expected to benefit from a reconstructed defensive front, the results of current general manager Marty Hurney’s moves remain to be tested. Applying more pressure on opposing quarterbacks will definitely impact the passing game and could assist in Jackson rising above the rest.
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Entering 2019, a full offseason used in order to prepare should also benefit Jackson as he readies to lock down receivers on game day.