Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Khyree Jackson (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In the upcoming season, the Minnesota Vikings will look much different than in recent years, especially because the quarterback is new, whether Sam Darnold or top pick J.J. McCarthy is starting. The defense led by coordinator Brian Flores has also undergone an overhaul in the offseason after losing Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.
The top additions are pass-rushers Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and first-rounder Dallas Turner. Linebacker Blake Cashman and veteran cornerback Shaq Griffin have the potential to play a vital role, too.
On day three of the draft, Skol Nation didn’t have to wait long to welcome the newest Viking. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah selected Oregon’s cornerback Khyree Jackson with the 108th pick.
Jackson joins a suddenly crowded position group but doesn’t envision taking on a backup role, and he surely thinks he shouldn’t have been on the board in the fourth round. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted about his interaction with the rookie:
Just had a lively video conference with new Vikings CB Khyree Jackson. He said he told the Vikings at the Senior Bowl that “I was the best cornerback in the draft, and I told them they were going to get me for cheaper because of some of the politics that go into it.”
The best cornerback in the draft might be a little steep; that honor should probably go to Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, or Nate Wiggins, as they were picked in the first round.
Jackson ranked 100th on Arif Hasan’s consensus board, cornerback 11 in the class. The Vikings drafted him around where the industry of draft pundits expected him to go. Regardless, he possesses some intriguing tools, especially his height of almost 6’4″.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote about the former Oregon Duck: “Jackson is an interesting prospect with a high ceiling. He still needs to shore up some things in the NFL, but he has the length and skill set teams are looking for. Jackson has the potential to be an impact player in the NFL.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson played in 13 games last season and was targeted 38 times. He allowed only 19 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown while grabbing three interceptions, scoring a phenomenal passer rating of 41.6 when targeted.
Jackson’s competition in the defense will be returning CB1 Byron Murphy and the three picks from the previous two drafts, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth, and Mekhi Blackmon. Griffin is the experienced alternative to Jackson and the other three young players.
He undoubtedly has the talent to contribute in the upcoming season. As someone perfectly suited to play man coverage in Flores’ defensive system, Jackson might have a shot at claiming a role early in his career.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt