49ers roster: 5 offseason additions who are paying off nicely
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers EDGE Drake Jackson
The Niners lacked a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but many felt the top selection of former USC EDGE Drake Jackson toward the tail end of Round 2 was nevertheless a steal.
And while Jackson wasn’t envisioned as an every-down defender right out of the gate, putting him into specific pass-rushing situations early was going to be a way to capitalize on his already impressive talents.
So far, those efforts are panning out nicely.
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Jackson nearly received credit for his first sack at the NFL level in Week 2 when both he and Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa converged on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to take him down. Bosa ultimately got the credit, but Jackson was right there.
And on 31 defensive snaps thus far, Jackson has been able to display some of the physicality and promise that convinced San Francisco to use its top pick on him.
A high ceiling is very much in play for Jackson, who’ll likely continue his ascent based on two promising games so far where he’s emerged as a solid rotational piece off the edge.