NFL Draft 2014: Giants select Notre Dame CB Bennett Jackson

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the 187th pick in the 2014 NFL draft the New York Giants select… Bennett Jackson, CB Notre Dame.

The Giants conclude their 2014 prospect procuring with another cornerback, and add yet another return game spark. Jackson’s greatest impact should be felt on special teams, where he averaged 25+ yards on 31 kickoff returns for ND.

To steal basketball verbiage, Jackson is a high-level run/jump athlete. He ran a composite 4.46 40-yard dash time between the NFL Combine and Notre Dame’s Pro Day, while also recording a 38-inch vertical leap.

That athleticism, however, doesn’t translate to comfortable movements and reactions in coverage. Jackson’s difficulty keeping tabs on both his man and the football equate to him being a nickel or dime corner. He gets beaten at the point of attack despite adequate size at 6’0.

In reality– he’s a return specialist. The Giants are suddenly teeming with open field dynamos to setup Eli Manning and the offense with prime field position.

Full game highlights of Jackson from November 30th, 2013 | Notre Dame at Stanford: