Cornerback/return man/offensive weapon Adoree’ Jackson will visit the Eagles

Adoree’ Jackson has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Philadelphia Eagles. The USC cornerback/return man/offensive weapon said as much in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday afternoon. Jackson will be one of 30 players to visit the Eagles in Philadelphia leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft.

Jackson is one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft class due to his versatility. I wrote about him earlier this week.

As a defender, Jackson finished his three-year college career with 139 tackles, 28 passes defensed, six interceptions (five in 2016), three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. As a receiver, Jackson had 39 receptions for 628 yards (16.1 average) and six scores. He also gained 92 yards on 15 rushing attempts (6.1 average).

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Jackson was also featured as both a kick and punt returner. On 79 kick returns, he averaged 27.1 yards and scored four touchdowns. On 46 punt returns, he averaged 12.6 yards and scored four touchdowns. The kid can clearly make plays.

Not only could Jackson be a potential solution to the Eagles’ cornerback problem, but he could also fill Philadelphia’s need for a new returner now that Josh Huff and Kenjon Barner are gone and Darren Sproles will be retiring after this season.

BGN reader Cory Williams also put together a good post about why Jackson might be an ideal Eagles target. Jackson could be an option for Philadelphia in the second round at pick No. 43.

Although he’s mostly expected to focus on cornerback and returning kicks/punts at the NFL level, he claims some teams have talked to him about having an offensive role. The Eagles also need help at running back and wide receiver along with corner, so maybe he’s really the perfect pick after all!

More on Jackson via BGN’s scouting report.

Adoree Jackson's gambling style is incredibly reminiscent of Asante Samuel during his career. Like Jackson, Samuel was on the smaller end of the spectrum for NFL cornerbacks, but he was a great athlete. Samuel took a lot of chances at cornerback that led to a lot of touchdowns for the other team, but also 51 career interceptions and six pick sixes. Asante Samuel was one of the best playmaking cornerbacks during his era and I am sure defensive coordinators will trade a few touchdowns given up for playmaking ability at the cornerback position.

Jackson is not a perfect defensive prospect. He is smaller and his aggression in coverage can lead to big mistakes. However, his playmaking ability, incredible athleticism and the fact that he has gotten better every year at USC makes the thought of the 21 year old playing cornerback very attractive. This deep cornerback class may drive Jackson down a bit on team's boards, but he would be an excellent day two pick for any NFL team. For the Eagles, who do not seem to care about cornerback size, Jackson makes a lot of sense. His ability to play off coverage makes sense in Schwartz' defense and his ball skills would bring much welcomed playmaking ability to a defense in dire need of cornerback help.

Check out Jackson’s highlights below.

Adoree’ Jackson spider graph:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey - [Click here]

Washington WR John Ross - [Click here]

Alabama LB Ryan Anderson - [Click here]

Alabama LB Reuben Foster - [Click here]

Florida State RB Dalvin Cook - [Click here]

LSU RB Leonard Fournette - [Click here]

Clemson WR Mike Williams - [Click here]

Western Michigan WR Corey Davis - [Click here]

IUP OL Ethan Cooper - [Click here]

Connecticut DB Obi Melifonwu - [Click here]

Grambling State WR Chad Williams - [Click here]

West Virginia WR Shelton Gibson - [Click here]

LSU S Jamal Adams - [Click here]

Ohio State CB Gareon Conley - [Click here]

Penn State S Malik Golden - [Click here]

San Diego State CB Damontae Kazee - [Click here]

Washington CB Kevin King - [Click here]

Colorado CB Ahkello Witherspoon - [Click here]

USC CB Adoree’ Jackson