Safety isn’t the most important position on the Chicago Bears roster. That of course is quarterback with edge rusher and offensive tackle close behind. Nonetheless poor safety play is a big reason for several breakdown by the team in tight games. It’s a persistent problem that has dogged them for close to a decade despite repeated attempts to fix it. Still, it’s hard to feel good about a Quintin Demps and Adrian Amos combination. So what about Quintin Demps and Eddie Jackson?
This is a variation fans are wondering about. Jackson, a safety from Alabama, was drafted in the fourth round by the Bears. The only defensive players selected out of five total picks. Not just that but GM Ryan Pace actually traded up to get him. It’s obvious they liked a lot of what they saw. Enough to possibly start as a rookie?
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune thinks so. He was asked this question during his weekly mailbag and provided a rather blunt answer.
Eddie Jackson is the man for Amos to fear
“The Bears have brought Jackson along slowly but he told the Tribune at the end of minicamp that he was full go and we’ll see what he looks like when training camp opens. He suffered a broken leg last fall at Alabama and the Bears wanted to be smart in bringing him along slowly. I think Jackson definitely has a shot to unseat Adrian Amos as a starter and play next to Quintin Demps, who will no doubt open the season as a starter.”
Jackson was outstanding for the Crimson Tide in 2015. His first year playing the position of safety after switching from cornerback, he was a walking interception machine. He delivered six picks that year including a big one in the national championship game. It’s possible he might’ve ended up being a top 50 pick this year had he not gotten hurt. That’s how well he was playing.
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So in essence the Bears may have gotten a player with first round ability at a fourth round price. Sure the injury issue is a concern, but many players come out of college with that same worry. It’s a physical game and guys get hurt. What drew Jackson to the team wasn’t his athleticism anyway. Of course that was part of it, but the real benefits are already showing up in practice.
Coaches love Jackson’s ability to think the game out
Alabama head coach Nick Saban wasn’t shy about saying Jackson was one of his favorite players he ever coached. That’s saying something. One of the best things about him? His mind. Jackson is noted for his intelligence and instinct. Just a natural at being able to dissect the game and make adjustments on the fly. Not one but two Bears coaches referred to that trait during minicamp practices when speaking to AL.com.
“He’s one of those guys you can just talk ball with and he gets it,” Bears safeties coach Roy Anderson said. “Or you can show film, and he’s actually able to hold a good conversation.”
“He’s wired right,” Chicago coach John Fox said of Jackson. “He understands the game, in the classroom setting, questions and answers, he gets it. He’ll get plenty of time in Bourbonnais.”
Players can have all the athleticism and speed in the world and never do anything in the NFL. Time and again it’s proven that the smartest end up doing the best. The guys who work hard on and off the field to craft their game. Who will do anything to find an edge for themselves and their team over an opponent. Jackson is one of those types. Can anybody say for sure how different the national championship would’ve been for Alabama a few months ago had he not been hurt?
If nothing else it’s proof that the Bears are favoring players who embrace the mental side of the game. That is often one of the biggest steps toward success.
