Marlin Jackson Combine Quotes/Notes/Scouting Rep.

Tuesday is D-Day at the NFL Combine: Defensive Backs Day that is. GoBlueWolverine’s Correspondent Josh Turel brings you his interview quotes from Marlin Jackson at the combine so far, plus Marlin’s height-weight stats, other combine notes, Josh’s scouting report on Marlin, and where Jackson is expected to be drafted – and at what position.

Marlin Jackson
6'0.5, 198
Cornerback/Safety

Positives:
Has ideal size for an NFL cornerback and plays a very physical game. Can shut down any receiver that can't get off a jam and can out muscle most receivers. Denies inside releases and can flatten out receiver routes well in a bump cover 2. Can really throw off timing within the 5 yard contact area. Is an experienced corner and shows solid instincts. Takes good angles to the ball, has a burst out of his peddle and can mirror short area double moves. Plays with confidence, which is very important and loves to play on the edge one on one. Can support the run well and is an excellent tackler in the open field. Strong senior season, up to the Rose Bowl opponents threw away from him 88% of the time and opponents were 15 of 41 throwing against him (36%) for 162 yards (10.8 yards a catch) and two touchdowns. Has experience at safety. Doesn't get many interceptions but has legit hands and gets plenty of broken up passes. Shut down former 1st rounders Charles Rogers and Reggie Williams as a sophomore.

Negatives:
Doesn't have elite speed. May need a safety over the top in underneath man coverage. Not a guy who can make up for his mistakes with pure speed. Can be overly aggressive and gets called for it. Doesn't have elite change of direction skills like other more fluid corners do. Needs to create more interceptions. Doesn't have the upside of some prospects such as Oregon's Brandon Browner or Clemson's Justin Miller.

Overall:
Marlin's decision to come back for his senior season didn't help his stock; even with an All American season, he still sits as a late 1st/early 2nd rounder which was my opinion last year. The one thing Jackson did show was that he was still a standout cornerback and he erased some doubters by having a strong year. Unfortunately the cornerback class is loaded this year and it has pushed Marlin back somewhat. I think Marlin looks good to any team that plays with safety help over the top in a cover 2 scheme or with rolling coverages. We will know more once he runs Monday, if he checks out with a 4.5, look for his stock to stay the same (late 1st-early-mid 2nd). A 4.4 could help him out and secure a 1st round selection. Teams are looking at him as both a safety or corner, which is something I didn't expect them to look into so heavily. My guess is he will end up at corner with safety as a fall back. The reason for most teams looking at him as a safety is the lack of depth in that class. Most teams have spoken with top corners like Antrel Rolle and Brandon Browner about moving to safety for the lack of stars at that position this year.

NFL Comparison:
Reminds me of a Troy Vincent type corner (Buffalo Bills). Has good size, loves to jam receivers and plays with that important word -- confidence. Though Jackson, like Vincent, isn't an elite athlete, his physical nature and seasoning should make him stick in the NFL.

Combine Notes on Marlin Jackson:

Measured in at 198 pounds which is five pounds up from his playing weight his senior year which was 193.

Will compete in all drills on Tuesday.

Fastest 40 time: 4.4, which he expects to run.

Marlin Jackson speaks to Josh Turel at the combine:

Toughest receiver he faced: "Going against Braylon everyday." As for who got the better of that battle? "I won more than my share. It got pretty physical, the coaches would have to break it up some times."

On which position he will play: "Some want me at safety, some want me at corner."

On his position preference: "I would rather play corner."

On the new NFL contact rules: "Just don't touch them after five yards."

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