The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Pros: Jackson is a wide receiver, but many teams will be interested in drafting him in the first round because of his game-breaking potential as a return specialist. He had six career punt returns for a touchdown, four of which came during his sophomore season when he averaged 18.2 yards per return. He is the number one return specialist in the draft, an electric open field player with quickness to go along with track star speed and very smooth hips. Jackson is capable of blowing by almost any corner in man coverage, making people miss after the catch, and has developed enough as a receiver to know how to work zone defenses as well. He has impressive leaping ability, often out-leaping taller defenders and winning the fight for the football. Jackson is tough for his size, and is more than capable of taking a hit and securing the football.

Cons: While Jackson has done a good job of bulking up, he needs to add more if he is going to be a playmaker or even contribute on offense. Durability is an issue. Even if he does bulk up, don’t expect him to run over many defenders or to be listed among the top blocking wide receivers. Jackson needs to work on his route running skills after relying too much on his raw athleticism to beat defensive backs in the Pac-10, which will not be enough at the next level. He was not the most consistent receiver while at Cal, at times dropping the easy pass and disappearing in games when he was not involved early. Jackson has allegedley been flagged by NFL personnel for having questionable character.

Medical Examiner:

• 10/15/05—Separated his shoulder and missed one game.

• 11/17/07—Suffered a right thigh injury and had to leave the game.  Jackson had to sit out the following week, but was able to start in the Bears' next game.

Overall: While his numbers dipped as a senior, Jackson often drew double-team coverage creating opportunities for fellow teammates, most notably Lavelle Hawkins. If he improved upon or matched his numbers of 2006 this past season, Jackson could have played his way into the top ten. There are no doubts as to what he can do as a return man—he took the first punt return of his junior season to the house and made a special return, displaying speed, quickness, and balance.

Mogollon's View: Jackson needs to show more before he stands atop this list of receivers, but the potential is hard not to notice. Some may overrate his chances in the NFL due to his potential but even so, he is a better prospect than Ted Ginn Jr. was at this time last year. Jackson will have some big seasons, but likely fail to deliver them on a year-in, year-out basis (see Santana Moss).

Murphy's View: California junior DeSean Jackson is a dangerous return man and receiver. He is not a finished product in terms of his receiving, but has extraordinary speed and vision in the open field. Jackson's perceived 4.3 40-time would allow him the chance to break into the top half of the first round.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

• 2007 Third Team All-American (Punt Returner)

• 2007 Second Team All-Pac-10

• 2006 First Team All-American (Punt Returner)

• 2006 First Team All-Pac-10 (Punt Returner & Wide Receiver)

• 2006 Randy Moss Return Man Award

• 2005 Pete Dawkins Trophy

• 2004 Glenn Davis Award

Bloodlines: Brother Byron played college football for San Jose State and professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs.

High School:  Played wide receiver for Long Beach Poly High School in Los Angeles, CA where he caught 60 passes for 1,075 yards and 15 touchdowns his senior season, leading the Jack Rabbits to the 2004 CIF Southern Section Championship.  Injuries to the team’s defensive backs called for Jackson to start at corner in the title game; he responded to the pressure, tallying two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 68 yard touchdown.  Following the season, Jackson was named the 2004 Glenn Davis Award winner as Southern California's high school player of the year.  He also participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, catching seven passes for 141 yards and passing for a 45-yard touchdown en route to earning the Pete Dawkins Trophy as MVP of the game.  Jackson also excelled at baseball and was widely recruited as a major-league prospect.

Major:  Social Welfare