The 49ers stayed put in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft and grabbed EDGE Drake Jackson, and here’s why he breaks out immediately during his rookie season.
Despite rumors of a “Godfather” trade offer by the New York Jets for wide receiver Deebo Samuel leading into day one of the 2022 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers front office held strong and stayed put until the second round. They not only erased all doubt Samuel was WR1 moving forward, but they were also finally able to address the pass-rushing need that will soon be vacated by defensive end Dee Ford.
With pick No. 61 overall in the 2022 draft, the Niners selected USC EDGE Drake Jackson. He joins a fierce, young defense that posted fifth overall last season in pass-rush win rate, according to ESPN.
The former Trojan brings tremendous upside and an incredibly fast first step to a defense that could use just that. He figures to start opposite defensive end Nick Bosa, giving defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans his own set of pass-rushing bookends. The move also frees up defensive tackle Arik Armstead to play inside where he absolutely thrives.
Jackson the perfect fit for a pass rush that didn’t need much. So good, in fact, general manager John Lynch almost traded up to acquire him. It’s a great addition on the surface, but let’s give it our due diligence and dig a little deeper.
Here are three reasons why the 49ers rookie breaks out immediately.
No. 1: 49ers will give Drake Jackson great coaching
There are many things that make Drake Jackson an intriguing prospect. He has long arms that he knows how to use effectively, he has a quick burst off the line, and most importantly, he has bend-the-corner talent at the edge.
With 12.5 quarterback sacks and 25 tackles for a loss in 27 career games, Jackson is no stranger to production when used correctly. In three seasons at USC, two of those years were spent at linebacker, but his best season by the numbers was on the defensive line.
Some feel that USC may not have seen the best of what he has to offer, which would be great news for DeMeco Ryans and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
If there is untapped potential there to be found, then Jackson is an absolute gem in the making. Rest assured that Kocurek is the man for the job. He’ll not only bring it out of Jackson, he’ll utilize it in the best way possible.
From Ryans’ perspective, the 49ers have added another weapon to his arsenal. After last year’s deep playoff run, played in big part by the defense, he’s ready to go even further.
It wouldn’t be out of line to say this season is personal for Ryans. He has a plan set in place that he is clearly not willing to deviate from. He was an absolute shoo-in for the head coaching job in Minnesota with the Vikings during last year’s postseason. After beating the Green Bay Packers, he turned down a second interview to return to San Francisco for another season.
That’s a large sacrifice to make to take care of some unfinished business.
Regardless of who the defensive coordinator is at this time next season, this is a great selection for both sides without question.
No. 2: Arik Armstead moving permanently inside will help Drake Jackson
For six seasons, Arik Armstead struggled to find consistency on the outside. At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds, Armstead is a big, physical presence, but all that size means nothing if he isn’t used right.
Midway through last season, DeMeco Ryans moved Armstead to the inside. Following that change, the 49ers defense was the best in the league against the run. Make no mistake, Armstead is a force anywhere he lines up. Season after season, he continues to ascend playing as an end as well.
DeMeco Ryans credited Arik Armstead moving inside as one the main reasons — along with D.J. Jones' effectiveness (led NFL w/48 percent run stop win rate) — as why the 49ers' run defense has been so effective
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) January 13, 2022
However, in terms of making an impact, he thrives on the interior. His gameplay and numbers are profoundly different. Ask anyone who has ever lined up against him on the inside.
Read More: 49ers score good grades from 2022 NFL Draft class
If the 49ers want Armstead’s absolute best moving forward then they’ll make sure that he lines up on the inside for the remainder of his career. Having Drake Jackson utilize the other end position will free up Armstead to do just that.
In turn, Armstead will help Jackson out by drawing a lot of the attention that otherwise might go the rookie’s way, freeing up Jackson for much more favorable one-on-one matchups.
No. 3: Talent on the other side of Drake Jackson with Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa certainly needs no introduction. His productivity is off the charts, his ceiling seems endless and his big payday is around the corner.
Plainly put, he’s the complete defender.
But what if that same production could be a constant on the other side? The 49ers have tried numerous times to replicate his success at the other end position, with little to no success.
“He’s a monster. … I just want to be the same way”
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 30, 2022
Drake Jackson can’t wait to play with Nick Bosa pic.twitter.com/d2JQWU3tKE
Bosa is the guy you double team and throw extra blockers at for 60 full minutes. However, If his counterpart was on the other side, then there would be no possible way to double team the both of them.
That would be bad news to any opposing offense on any given week. John Lynch and Co. selected Drake Jackson with every intention to make him that guy. But what makes this even more favorable for the rookie is the likelihood that opponents will still focus their attention on Bosa, meaning Jackson will have far easier chances right in front of him. Putting this simply, the Niners don’t need Jackson to be the guy like they already have with Bosa.
With so many other defensive weapons in place, now would be the time to find out. Can Jackson be that guy?
It sure looks like it.