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Donte Jackson

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 1, 18th overall, 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. PFF

  • College: University of Southern California (USC). The Jet Press

  • Key Stats / Career: As of 2025, Jackson has recorded 404 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 61 passes defended, and a long interception return of 76 yards. espn.com He has also been a prominent return specialist, with 290 punt return yards and 578 kickoff return yards in his rookie NFL season. NFL Clubs

  • Accolades / Character: In college, Jackson won the Jim Thorpe Award (for best defensive back) in 2016. He is known for his elite athleticism, versatility (played cornerback, returner, and receiver in college), and competitive mindset. MaxPreps.com

Strengths

  • Elite Athleticism & Speed — One of the most explosive defensive backs, his quickness helps in coverage and special teams. PFF

  • Versatility — Has played multiple roles: cornerback, returner, and even receiver in college. Conquest Chronicles

  • Return Skills — Proven return threat: strong career kickoff and punt return production. NFL Clubs

  • Ball Skills / Instincts — Good ball-tracking ability, with several interceptions and pass breakups in college. The Jet Press

  • Tackling / Physicality — Despite his size, makes solid tackles and is willing to come up in run support. The Jet Press

  • High-IQ / Competitor — Known for strong football intelligence, leadership, and ability to stay engaged on both defense and special teams. Sportskeeda

Weaknesses

  • Size / Length Limitations — At 5’11″ and 185 lb, he lacks ideal size for some physical matchups. The Jet Press

  • Inconsistent Turnover Production — Not a high-interception player in the NFL; his playmaking ceiling in coverage is somewhat modest. espn.com

  • Press Coverage Technique — While explosive, his technique when challenged at the line can be refined; may give up separation to savvy route runners. The Jet Press

  • Durability / Injury Risk — Has had a long career with some health concerns and has been used heavily on special teams. NFL Clubs

  • Ball Security on Returns — High-risk role in returns; fumbles or mistakes on special teams have been noted.

Fit & Outlook

Adoree’ Jackson projects as a multi-role defensive back and special-teams weapon. He is best utilized in schemes that value his explosive speed, return ability, and coverage versatility. He can play outside cornerback, serve as a returner, and provide instant-impact in open-field situations. For teams needing a playmaker in the secondary who can take advantage of his return skills, Jackson is a valuable asset. Long-term, his role may evolve more toward a split-duty player (defense + returns), but if he can maintain his physicality and improve consistency in coverage, he has the potential to be a long-term contributor on defense and an occasional game-changer on special teams.