4 defensive ends Cleveland Browns can choose from at No. 44
By John Suchan
Cleveland Browns DE option No.3: Drake Jackson, USC
There have been many mock drafts projecting USC edge Drake Jackson to the Browns. The very young prospect is still only 20 years old and that has scouts across the league excited about his potential.
His athleticism is at the top of the charts. He’s a lanky 6-foot-4 and 250 lbs. His quick first step on the edge and his ability to juke the offensive lineman are stellar. His lateral quickness is also impressive as he can help clog up in the run game.
He totaled 103 tackles and 12.5 sacks in the 27 games he played in at USC. Last season as a junior he created disruptions all season long for his opponents. He could get to the quarterback or stop the rusher in the backfield.
Jackson had 37 tackles and five sacks. He also picked off a pass and forced and recovered a fumble. In one of their biggest games of the season against Notre Dame, the young man stepped up with six tackles, two of which were for losses, and also had a sack.
Pairing him across from a Cleveland veteran like Myles Garrett could cause nightmares for teams.
Drake Jackson best attribute is his ability to bend
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 19, 2022
He has a high floor, and should be able to see time early on in his career
He fits best as a 3-4 OLB and can also play with his hand in the dirt pic.twitter.com/xI0uF9vscy
Jackson may not start out as an every-down edge rusher but could be great at coming in on those pressure passing downs.