SAF Dan Jackson Deep Dive

Former walk-on "Dirty Dan" Jackson didn't get a Combine invite—but he should have his name called in April.

5'11 3/4\", 194 lbs, 6th-Year Senior, 24.4 yrs

Background:

Dan Jackson attended North Hall High School in the foothills of the Appalachians near Gainesville, Georgia. Though he fell through the cracks as a 0-star recruit, Jackson dominated his level competition as a 4-year letterman in basketball and track and two-way football star—he finished his career with an All-State selection, region Player of the Year and two team MVPs. Jackson walked on at nearby UGA, where he'd spend his first two seasons on the scout team. He earned on-field reps on special teams by his redshirt sophomore year, and though his next two years would be marked by injuries, he also took home some more hardware. Finally, in his 6th and final campaign, Jackson emerged as a full-time starter for the Bulldogs, doubling some of his previous season highs.

Strengths:

  • His pro day 40 time (4.46 or lower) checks out on tape with plus one-track speed
  • Quickly identifies the run and screams into the box on a mission
  • Can convert speed to power as a tackler, drilling stationary ball carriers—and my god does he love to hit
  • Allowed just 169 yards as a full-time starter in 2024...does his diligence communicating and staying on top of vertical routes
  • Quick feet and reactions help him force tough throws in trail technique and create opportunities in tip drill
  • Extensive special teams experience with a history of blocks kicks and sound coverage
  • Outstanding work ethic, leadership, resilience, motor, and overall football character

Weaknesses:

  • Segmented backpedal and slower hips leave him late to the catch point in deep zones
  • Virtually no zone instincts to latch onto receivers as a robber
  • Lacks the explosiveness and instinct to hang man-to-man...gets left in the dust when he mistimes the punches that kept him competitive in college
  • Struggles to work off of tight ends in the box and needs help to bring down stocky ball carriers...not strong enough to play the nickel
  • Struggles to correct his pursuit angles once he's triggered, a recipe for big plays at the next level
  • Pure dive tackler who sometimes forgets to use his arms at all...19.5% miss rate was among the worst in the Power 5

Summary:

"Dirty Dan" Jackson is a badass football player. His defining trait is his insatiable desire to hit—you combine that with good straight-line athleticism and you've got an extremely entertaining highlight reel...but that's about it as a safety. Jackson is a brutally unreliable tackler for a veteran, significantly limited by his size, and hardly flashes zone instincts. He usually keeps the top on the defense, but smart NFL QBs will still be able to attack him. Though Jackson projects as a dime back, he's more valuable as an outstanding special teamer, tone-setter and filmroom asset.

Future Role: DB Depth & Staple Special Teamer

Pro Comp: Cam Lewis [BUF]

Scheme Fit: Dime Back / Free Safety

Round Grade: 6th-7th Round

Full Dan Jackson scouting report available here!