Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, CB William Jackson III

Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback William Jackson III (3) celebrates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 during the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback William Jackson III (3) celebrates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 during the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, we take a look at some possible Seattle Seahawks draft targets. 

The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around. 

Let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round. 

WILLIAM JACKSON III, CB, Houston

Forced to go the junior college route due to poor grades in high school, Jackson straightened things out and ended up at the University of Houston, where he led the nation in pass breakups over the last two years. Couldn’t participate in the Senior Bowl due to a knee injury suffered in the Peach Bowl.

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SPECS:

  • Height – 6’0″
  • Weight – 189 lbs
  • Arms – 31 3/4″
  • 40 yard dash – 4.37

STRENGTHS: Jackson has good height for the position, outstanding ball skills and speed to burn. His 4.37 at the combine today was an eye opener for many. Widely considered a second round pick before, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock thinks he’s put himself into consideration to be a first rounder now.

WEAKNESSES: Very lean and lacking in strength. Can he stick outside or will that force him to be more of a nickel corner back?

HOW HE WOULD FIT FOR THE SEAHAWKS: In some ways Jackson fits the Seahawks mold. He excels in press man-to-man coverage, but may lack the strength to match up with some of the bigger, more physical WR’s in the NFL. His body type is almost exactly the same as Tye Smith, but Smith was taken in the 5th round.

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The question for the Seahawks would be whether Jackson III is a player they see as a full time starter as the outside CB opposite Richard Sherman. If not, they likely would not be inclined to use the 26th pick to get him.