Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 8!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 8... that's right baby, we've cracked into the top 10!

8. Tyson Jackson, DE Louisiana State Tigers

2008 Season Stats:
36 tackles, 10 for a loss, 4.5 sacks

Career Stats:
121 tackles, 31.5 for a loss, 19.5 sacks, 1 INT

Personal Stats:
6'4" 296 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Great combination of size, strength and speed. Has a great frame to be a stout run defender as he has long arms used to control oncoming blockers and he sheds them well using his great hand placement and power and will make plenty of tackles in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage. Is a surprising pass rush threat considering his size and will try hard and use his great motor to atone for his lack of quick twitch explosion as he knows how to track down QBs that get out of the pocket. He provides a lot of versatility for a team, he is a hard worker and a team leader who comes through in the clutch and leads his team by example and on the sidelines.

Weaknesses:

Not an elite pass rusher and struggles with awareness at times. He also has tight hips and doesn't do well when tackling or rushing in space.

Overall:

Tyson Jackson is my favourite player in this draft and could go as high as #2 if I was calling the shots as he would be a great LDE in a 4-3, an amazing UT in a 4-3 and he is also the best 3-4 DE in this class. Tyson Jackson will never be feared for his pass rush ability, much like former teammates Marcus Spears, Marquise Hill (R.I.P.), Melvin Oliver, Chase Pittman and company, LSU provides the NFL with great 3-4 DEs as they're all big and tough brutes who hold up well against the run, but Tyson Jackson is a different breed then the aformentioned as he is a more viable pass rush threat and will probably average between 4-6 sacks a year for any 3-4 team he heads to.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 9th selection in the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in for Prospects #7 and #6!