Arguably one of the biggest steals of the 2022 NFL Draft was Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens. The Steelers were able to snag Pickens with pick 52 in the second round last year because Pickens was due to a torn ACL that he had suffered in spring practice in 2021. Then in the 2022-23 season, Pickens would go on to become arguably the Steelers' number one target and possibly one of the top three wide receivers taken in the 2022 Draft. Now, one of his former high school teammates from Hoover Prep in Alabama has a chance to make an NFL roster.
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Hoover's George Pickens holds off Tuscaloosa County's ShonDerious Horton during a high school football game at the Hoover Met in Hoover, Ala., Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.
You would see with the Steelers' George Pickens
Former Hoover Prep standout and Auburn wide receiver Shedrick Jackson has the potential to be a decent wide receiver in the NFL. He was never able to put up video game-like numbers with having 527 yards in 2021 being his best season. But the potential that he brings is unmatched. His body size and play kind of remind me of Heisman winner DeVonta Smith. The way that Jackson is quick off the scrimmage is one of the reasons why I like his play. The one negative that I do see when watching him is that he is not a physical player like you would see with the Steelers' George Pickens.
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Auburn receiver Shedrick Jackson (11) runs after a catch during the Tigers' 60-10 win against Akron on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 in Auburn, Ala.
One of the things that are not talked about enough is how good of a pro day Jackson had. I have to argue that it was one of the best ones of all NFL prospects. Looking at the vertical jump, Jackson was able to jump a 38.5-inch vertical jump. Compared to last year's NFL Combine which is in the same area as the likes of Christian Waston (who jumped the same) and Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III who jumped 39 inches.
If his impressive vertical jump isn't enough to convince you, taking a look at his 40-yard dash may. During his pro day, he ran an insane 4.25 40-yard dash. If he were to do that in the combine, it would not only be the best overall 40 times in this year's class but would be the fifth-best 40-yard dash time in NFL history.
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Auburn wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (11) works out Tuesday, March 6, 2018, during spring practice at the Auburn Athletic Complex in Auburn, Ala.
This talent doesn't just come from anywhere. Jackson's uncle is an Auburn legend and arguably one of if not the greatest athlete of all time, Bo Jackson. When he came in as a freshman this is almost entirely what he was known for. But a last name and relation did not define Shedrick as his skill set and athleticism resembled his uncle. Current New York Giant and former college teammate of Shedrick's Darius Slayton stated this about him during his freshman year:
"I think it's pretty evident he's related to Bo," receiver Darius Slayton said. "He's a fast, strong kid... He's a young kid; he's got a lot of things to learn... But he's got a lot of promise and a lot of potential."
Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY Sports
Former MLB and NFL Legend Bo Jackson in a game for the Raiders.
Overall, I think that Shedrick Jackson will most likely end up being an undrafted free agent, but would definitely be one that I would want in Pittsburgh. Even more with the addition of Allen Robinson II, I think early-round wide receiver draft picks are out of the equation. So, taking someone like Jackson in the seventh round or as a UDFA could be a very possible move.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Is Jackson someone you would consider the Steelers getting? Let me know in the comments below!
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