7 inside linebackers the Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers could select D’Marco Jackson (Appalachian State)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 233 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 119 tackles
- 20 tackles for loss
- 6 sacks
- 1 interception
- 83.4 PFF grade
D’Marco Jackson had an incredibly productive 2021 season. The athletic and rangy Appalachian State product showed off all of his skills at linebacker and is projected as a mid-to-late round selection.
Jackson got a lot of his six sacks from playing as a spy. He covers a lot of ground with his speed and instincts.
The defensive captain chases down both quarterbacks and running backs, but is susceptible to over-running plays and getting out of his gaps. When Jackson plays patient and allows himself to read the play, he is an elite run-stopper.
In coverage, he provides a lot of range, his ball skills limit him to being a turnover threat, but his range will force throws to get looked off. If Jackson’s instincts and play recognition get coached up, he will be a great starting linebacker in the NFL.
Despite his ceiling, he still is projected to be selected late in the draft because of his bust potential. Jackson will not provide much at the NFL level except speed if he cannot read and react to the NFL game consistently.
The reward outweighs the risks of selecting Jackson late in the draft. If the Carolina Panthers went in this direction, it will be because they value his ceiling and physical traits.