49ers NFL Draft: 5 impact players San Francisco should want on defense
By Joseph Naki
J.C. Jackson, CB, Maryland
The demand for cornerbacks are always of high value in previous NFL Drafts. Nothing changes in 2018, the corner position will certainly be in high demand.
On my big board, the very talented and extremely versatile athlete, Minkah Fitzpatrick, is the No. 1 defensive back in the 2018 NFL Draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick will most likely come off the board before the 49ers select at No. 9 or No. 10 (depending on a coin flip). Also with the need at linebacker being so critical for the 49ers, John Lynch will have to search other options to secure a good defensive back.
Owning two selections at the top of the third round, pick Nos. 70 and 74 overall, the 49ers will have to gauge then determine how they want to address the perimeter position.
Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took a calculated risk last year in moving up into the first round from the second to obtain the services of Reuben Foster. While understanding Foster’s injuries and checkered past was of major concern, Lynch made his choice to better his team with the talented linebacker out of Alabama despite possible fallout.
Enter 6-foot-1, 185-pound true boundary corner, J.C. Jackson of Maryland.
Originally signing to play his collegiate ball with the Florida Gators in 2014, Jackson worked hard on the field to break the starting lineup. However, trouble found the young Jackson down in Gainesville.
Court’s judgement of not guilty of all four charges including: three counts of home invasion with a deadly weapon and one count of burglary of an occupied dwelling, Jackson needed to find a way out of Florida and in a hurry.
D.J. Durkin, head coach of the Maryland Terrapins took Jackson under his wing and set his feet on the road to recovery. Says Jackson of Durkin, “Coach Durkin, he just really taught me how to be a man.”
Jackson brings some baggage, yes. But the kid has dedicated his life to the game of football. Jackson is a first-round talent falling possibly to the third round. Walter Football has him off the big board between the second and third round. Jackson would be a steal at pick No. 70 overall for the 49ers, should Lynch take a calculated risk once again.
I say, stay on your path to redemption, son, and come be a part of the 49ers organization.