July 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) in action during training camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
Kareem Jackson has become a worthy first-r0und pick this year.
His rookie year was a complete disaster as the Texans gave up the most passing yards in the league and he allowed more catches than anyone in the NFL. His sophomore year saw a slight improvement as he was asked to cover the opposing team’s second receiver and split time with Jason Allen.
While his stats got significantly better last year his ball skills were still abysmal. He couldn’t cover his man consistently and when the ball was thrown in his direction he often failed to turn around thus allowing the catch or causing a pass interference penalty.
This season however, albeit in a small sample size, Jackson has shown that he can handle staying in the game as the second corner for the entire game as opposed to being forced to split time.
He has stuck to his man like glue and made plays on the ball when they do throw in his direction.
If Jackson continues to play at such a high level he could be elected to the pro bowl. The Texans lead the league in pass defense and with the great pass rush they’ve developed it stands to reason that the corners will not have to cover for a very long time as the quarterback will be running for his life.
Kareem Jackson has impressed even the most cynical fans and could be well on his way to earning his first-round pick status.