Tre' Jackson to New England Patriots: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown
After four straight defensive selections to open the draft, the New England Patriots finally addressed their biggest need on the roster, selecting Florida State guard Tre' Jackson. This is a pick many will like—I had Jackson pegged to the Patriots in the second round of B/R's community draft earlier this week, but his stock fell after teams became concerned with an apparent knee issue, per Bleacher Report's Matt Miller.
However, Jackson is as talented as any guard in this draft class, and depending on his health, should probably supplant Dan Connolly as the team's starting left guard in 2015. Perhaps the Patriots made this pick with the idea of stashing Jackson as he recovers from whatever knee woes are ailing him, but given the immediate need at guard, one would think that they would seek a more immediate solution.
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Jackson is New England's biggest boom-or-bust selection so far, but he could solidify the offense's most glaring need. Here's a look into a player who I've been a fan of in the predraft process.
What Jackson Brings
Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo has sought out more powerful guards than the lighter agile types Dante Scarnecchia preferred. The 6'4," 330-pound Jackson certainly fits that mold, as he's among the strongest prospects in this draft. A three-year starter at Tallahassee, Jackson is arguably the most powerful guard in this draft, as opposing defenders are virtually helpless when they get engulfed in his frame.
Because of his effectiveness as a tight-area blocker, Jackson should profile nicely into the gap-blocking scheme the Patriots have leaned toward under DeGuglielmo. The Patriots demonstrated as much interest in the ex-Seminole as any offensive lineman in this draft class, which has kept him on the radar for months now:
However, Jackson also possesses lighter feet than one would expect, a tribute to his athleticism. Conditioning issues hampered his movement ability last season, but when Jackson was in better shape during the 2013 campaign, his ability to execute down and pull blocks made him a first-team All-ACC selection.
In short, Jackson is fully capable of becoming a stable long-term starter at left guard. The Pats probably need him to at least compete for playing time, and with more collegiate playing experience than any of New England's current interior reserves, Jackson likely has a leg up on the competition.
How Jackson Fits
If chemistry is vital to offensive line success (and it is), then Jackson should fit in seamlessly next to collegiate teammate Bryan Stork. Florida State has produced a bevy of offensive linemen in recent seasons, and playing in Jimbo Fisher's power-running scheme translates well to what the Patriots want to do.
However, Jackson's arrival does not necessarily mean the end of the Connolly era. Jackson has some correctable technique issues (hand placement in particular), but the conditioning issues that represent his biggest red flag could legitimately prevent him from carving out the type of career he is capable of. Consequently, some analysts have cautioned that Jackson might be more of a future-minded pick than his pro-ready game tape would suggest:
But at his best, the Florida State left guard was reminiscent of longtime Pats starter Logan Mankins, exhibiting superior athleticism and a nasty finish to his blocks. Patriots medical officials must have felt comfortable with Jackson's knee issues to green-light his selection, even if the fourth round was a little lower than he was expected to go.
The likes of Josh Kline and Chris Barker probably don't have the size to fit in DeGuglielmo's scheme, so unless Jordan Devey or converted tackle Cameron Fleming takes a big leap, Jackson might enter the league no worse than third on the guard depth chart. It's certainly an unusual spot for a rookie fourth-rounder to start, but like Stork a year ago, Jackson is the type of polished prospect who might be just what the offensive line needs.
Bottom Line
Jackson possesses a higher ceiling than his college teammate Stork but needs to get his act together and stay in shape. If Jackson's knee injury is a byproduct of weight, then it's reasonable to believe that he won't be a huge injury risk if he maintains good conditioning moving forward.
No matter what the coaches will say about rookies starting at the bottom of the depth chart, Jackson immediately becomes New England's most talented interior lineman, regardless of whether Connolly returns. It's unusual to expect heavy snaps from a fourth-rounder, but if a healthy Jackson does not start a good chunk of the 2014 season, it should be a disappointment.
The Patriots have now nabbed two consecutive fallers to start the fourth round and used their fifth consecutive pick in the trenches. There's no easier way to sabotage an opponent's game plan than to control the trenches, and if nothing else, head coach Bill Belichick appears hellbent on ensuring the Patriots have the edge in that department next season.
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