New England Patriots: 5 unsung heroes of the 2018 NFL season
JC Jackson
Undrafted out of the University of Maryland, rookie cornerback JC Jackson was this season’s Malcolm Butler without the Super Bowl saving play.
In many ways, Jackson was a more effective cornerback than Butler was during that season.
As a long-shot to make the team, Jackson quickly opened eyes during training camp and by the middle of the 2018 NFL season found himself as the No. 2 corner alongside Stephon Gilmore.
Related Story. JC Jackson proving to be a diamond in the rough. light
What makes JC Jackson one of the unsung heroes is that he stepped up into a role that was supposed to be held by Eric Rowe before he was sidelined for the season. Then, there was veteran cornerback Jason McCourty who had his own struggles holding down the No. 2 spot.
At 6-foot-1, 198 pounds, Jackson took advantage of his opportunity with three regular-season interceptions. While having an All-Pro like Gilmore as a mentor, the New England Patriots lock-down cornerback was just as impressed with the undrafted rookie during the season.
"“He’s a great player,” Gilmore said in mid-January, via NESN. “Ever since (he) came in, he’s sat beside me, asked questions and gotten better every week. He don’t like giving up passes, and he’s helping us out as a defense. I’m happy that he’s on our team.”"
With a winning attitude and confidence, JC Jackson was easy this season’s diamond in the rough and it will be intriguing how the 23-year-old cornerback progresses in 2019.