Arizona Cardinals 2018 re-draft

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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots reacts after the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Round 7, pick 254

Original selection: OT Korey Cunningham

Re-draft selection: CB J.C. Jackson

I’m sorry to whoever plays quarterback for the Cardinals in the future as I’ve ignored the offensive line, but it’s really hard to deny a talented cornerback to pair with Patrick Peterson. Like Phillip Lindsay, J.C. Jackson was passed on 256 times, but this time, we allow it to happen just 253 times as the Cardinals get their number two cornerback for the present and the future.

As an undrafted rookie, Jackson earned a spot with the Patriots as a boundary cornerback — a role that he flourished in as he had three interceptions and six pass deflections in the regular season. Throughout the 2018 season, his role began to grow to the point that he was a full-time starter during the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Jackson is a man coverage cornerback through and through. Similar to his teammate Stephon Gilmore, he’s built a brand of shadowing wide receivers. However, his dominance as a man coverage cornerback did not come unnoticed as Pro Football Focus ranks Jackson fourth in the NFL in man coverage with an 85.5 grade. Even more impressive; per PFF, he allowed a 42.0 passer rating when targeted, good for first in the NFL.

Now, try to convince yourself that you don’t want to see that adjacent Patrick Peterson. Good luck with that.

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