The Minnesota Vikings may have gotten a steal in University of Oregon defensive back Khyree Jackson.
The Vikings selected Jackson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, and Pro Football Focus immediately noted that the youngster only allowed one touchdown in 2023.
Jackson had a breakout campaign of sorts this past season, registering 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, a couple of sacks, three interceptions and seven passes defended.
The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Fort Scott CC, but then committed to the University of Alabama after two seasons.
Jackson spent two years at Alabama, but barely made an impact, amassing a grand total of 14 tackles and a couple of passes defended.
He then transferred to Oregon.
What makes Jackson so interesting is the fact that he is 6-foot-4 cornerback, so he has the size to play safety if needed.
Minnesota ranked 24th in the NFL in passing defense this past season, so it certainly needed help in its secondary. Jackson’s versatility could end up paying dividends for the club.
The Vikings went 7-10 in 2023 and lost Kirk Cousins to free agency. They took quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the draft on Thursday night, so they are certainly entering rebuilding mode.
On the plus side, Minnesota still has some very talented players on its roster, such as wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Depending on how well McCarthy plays right off the bat, the Vikings could be a pesky team in the tough NFC North next season.
We’ll see if Khyree Jackson can contribute in 2024.
More must-reads: