Patriots Gridiron News: JC Jackson proving to be a diamond in the rough

Undrafted rookie free agent JC Jackson may be the next find for the New England Patriots defense.

In the New England Patriots 24-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday afternoon, many players stepped up on defense, but one young player stood out and made a couple key plays to keep the momentum in his team’s favor.

That player was undrafted rookie cornerback JC Jackson who made his first career start against the talented Vikings receivers.

This is not deja vu, it is just what the Patriots do.  They find players who are willing to put in the hard work and prepare so when their number is called they are usually ready.

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Jackson fit right into that mode Sunday afternoon.  He made a couple key pass breakups that both showed off his cornerback skills, and how he never gives up on a play.

That was ever evident on a pass breakup in the end zone that led to an interception by Duron Harmon. It was the second impressive play he made in the game and showcased why this young cornerback has received so much praise coming into the season.

In allowing just four catches and 23 yards on seven targets, the Maryland product may have found himself a regular role if he keeps up the kind of play his veteran teammates see in practices.

"“Man, Jerald Jackson is a heck of a player,” Jason McCourty said, via NESN.  “Watching him from spring on, he’s a guy that when he turns and looks for the ball, elite as far as getting the ball, attacking the ball.  You saw one the one Du [Duron Harmon] had, he’s running, he’s looking at the ball/[Aldrick] Robinson gets a little behind him, there’s no panic because he can read that ball as well as a receiver.”"

The ability to play the ball like a receiver is because JC Jackson was a receiver himself.  Moving over to defensive back in college, Jackson knows the mind of a receiver when he attacks the ball.  That knowledge and skillset translated on the field on Sunday.

A player who knows about high-level cornerback play, Stephon Gilmore offered more compliments in regard to the talent of Jackson.

"“The thing about him, he’s got elite ball skills,” Gilmore said.  “You can’t teach that.  He knows how to find the ball and get his head around and make plays on the ball.  When you’ve got someone like that, it’s pretty good.”"

Now that he has established some confidence, hopefully Sunday’s performance is the start of something great for JC Jackson. He has the “elite” skills and knowledge for it, he now has to continue preparing and working hard to continue trending as the next diamond in the rough for the New England Patriots.

Belichick praises Jackson

Teammates can praise JC Jackson all they want, but the ultimate praise comes from the man who felt he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster and ultimately an opportunity to produce.

On Monday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked immediately about Jackson’s performance during his press conference Monday.  And, well, here’s what Belichick had to say:

"“Well, J.C’s worked really hard and made a lot of improvement this year, going all the way back to the spring, and coming in as an undrafted player just has really worked his way all the way up to earning a spot on the roster and then earning play time.  So, he’s just been very dependable and gotten better every day.  It’s not always perfect, but he learns from his mistakes and corrects things.”"

Belichick went on to praise Jackson’s hard work and commitment and how he is earning his opportunity.  Coincidentally, the Patriots coach put him in the same breath as current teammate Jonathan Jones and past Patriots cornerbacks like Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan as players who have worked their way up the latter.

Hopefully, this is just the start for JC Jackson.