These 49ers players benefited most from Vikings joint practices
By Peter Panacy
Joint practice with Vikings benefits 49ers EDGE Drake Jackson
Rookie pass-rusher Drake Jackson was having himself quite the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers last Friday before suffering a shoulder stinger and coming out from the contest.
As far as camp went, however, Jackson primarily matched up opposite some of San Francisco’s B- and C-list offensive linemen, almost never going up against All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who continued his own mastery in scrimmages against the Vikings.
That was to be expected. Facing off against Minnesota’s starting-tackle tandem of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, however, proved to be a great challenge when he squared off against first-team units.
On day one, Jackson managed would-be sacks against backup quarterback Kellen Mond and tackles for a loss:
Drake Jackson with the would-be sack on Mond now. #49ers
— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) August 17, 2022
Drake Jackson explodes off the line and stops Alexander Mattison for a would-be TFL
— David Liechty (@BackcountryFam) August 17, 2022
As the first-year EDGE will find out, each offensive lineman carries his own array of abilities and skills to thwart pass-rushers. For some, it’s brute strength. For others, it can be footwork, hand placement and/or technique.
The variety is what Jackson will encounter as he matures into the hopeful complementary edge rusher opposite Nick Bosa, both in 2022 and beyond.