Browns NFL Draft Insight: CB Khyree Jackson

Round 2: Cornerback room could use some youth

The Cleveland Browns cornerback room is a group of strength. GM Andrew Berry is a former corner himself, so he knows two things: 1) the position is very important to the success of the defense, and 2) you can’t have too many good ones regardless of who is already on the roster.

Denzel Ward, M.J. Emerson, Cam Mitchell, Greg Newsome, Tony Brown, Kahlef Hailassie, and Vincent Gray make up the current roster under contract.

NFL draft prospect Kyree Jackson would complete any cornerback room.

He is an attractive prospect because he has better size than most cornerbacks standing 6’-3”. He also has a combination of athletic abilities and ball skills that don’t come around often.

Jackson began his college career at Fort Smith Community College for one season before accepting a scholarship at Alabama. He became a starter but was suspended by head coach Nick Saban, although he never revealed the reason.

There are issues, however. Jackson can’t rely solely on his speed and his recovery capability. He must anticipate routes better, too. He possesses a high football IQ.

He will need some grooming and intense instruction, but he can become a starting-caliber cornerback in the league with a shutdown skill set.

CB Khyree Jackson

Draft projection: 2

Browns pick: #54

Specifics:

College: Oregon

Height: 6’-3”

Weight: 195 pounds

40-time: 4.5

Career Tackles: 48

Career Forced Fumbles: 0

Career Sacks: 2

Career Tackles for Loss: 6

Career Pass Defenses: 6

Career Interceptions: 3

Career starts: 25

Positives:

1. Excellent length
2. Exhibits fluid movement
3. Outstanding ball tracking ability
4. Reliable tackler
5. Outstanding in run support
6. Skilled in zone coverage
7. Effective blitzer
8. Extremely competitive
9. Physical
10. First Team All-Pac-12 2023
11. Senior Bowl invitee

Negatives:

1. Needs to stop pulling jerseys
2. Change of direction needs work
3. Limitations in hip fluidity
4. Slight stiffness in press coverage
5. Lacks top-end speed

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Expert Draft Site Analysis

NFLDraftBuzz.com

With Jackson’s frame and defensive skillset, he has shown he can be a disruptor in the secondary, boasting a strong presence at the catch point and an ability to challenge receivers physically. His press coverage and zone awareness are particularly standout aspects of his game, pointing to a player who can contribute significantly to an NFL team’s defensive playbook. However, Jackson’s game isn’t without its drawbacks. His tendency to rely on physicality over technique can lead to penalties, highlighting a need for refinement in his approach to man coverage. The challenge of keeping pace with the NFL’s speedier receivers could pose a hurdle, given his observed limitations in recovery speed and quickness in transition.