Following a draft where the Minnesota Vikings made significant moves on the first day but had no selections on the second day, they kicked off the third day by fulfilling a key requirement: cornerback. At the 108th pick, they chose Khyree Jackson, a lengthy press corner from Oregon. Jackson, who was the top junior college prospect in 2019, transitioned to Alabama in 2021 before finding his place with the Ducks in 2023.
This was the pre-draft assessment of Jackson by Steve Muench:
Jackson possesses the height and press coverage skills to effectively disrupt receivers, break up passes, and tackle ball carriers with his long arms. He demonstrates strong coverage abilities against most receivers, accelerates quickly when closing in on passes, and exhibits explosive speed when blitzing from the edge. Additionally, he showcases aggressiveness in run defense, displaying the capability to shed blocks and deliver impactful tackles. Moreover, Jackson is expected to contribute immediately in the NFL by excelling in kick coverage.
Bleacher Report provided a comprehensive analysis of Jackson:
Khyree Jackson’s college journey was quite diverse. Hailing from Maryland, he began at Fort Scott Community College before transferring to the University of Alabama for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, ultimately finding his way to the University of Oregon. Physically, he impresses with his imposing 6’3″, 195 lb. stature.
Jackson exhibits proficiency across various coverages and techniques, with press-man coverage being his specialty. He typically mirrors receivers at the line of scrimmage and uses his hands effectively to maintain coverage downfield.
However, he can struggle against more agile opponents and lacks elite recovery speed, occasionally resorting to grabbing jerseys when feeling threatened. Nonetheless, he demonstrates good awareness by locating and tracking the ball well, with his success in coverage often attributed to his disciplined pad level.
While not particularly dominant in run defense, Jackson fulfills his responsibilities adequately, swiftly recognizing running plays and providing support. He employs a wrapping tackling technique, targeting the legs, and isn’t shy about throwing his body into tackles when necessary. When engaging blockers, he may lack brute strength to overpower them but compensates by leveraging his length to disengage effectively.
Overall, Jackson presents an intriguing prospect with considerable potential. While there are areas he needs to refine for the professional level, his combination of length and skill set makes him a coveted prospect for teams. With continued development, Jackson could evolve into a significant contributor in the NFL.