Packers: FanSided gives Josh Jackson pick A+ grade

FanSided gave the Green Bay Packers an A+ grade after they selected cornerback Josh Jackson in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Considered a first-round talent by a number of analysts ahead of the draft, new general manager Brian Gutekunst must have been delighted that Josh Jackson fell all the way to No. 45.

With Jackson and first-round selection Jaire Alexander, Gutekunst went a long way to fixing the team’s biggest weakness. Playing alongside last year’s second-round pick Kevin King, the Packers may have found their new starting trio at cornerback.

Matt Verderame, NFL lead writer for FanSided, was impressed with Green Bay’s second-round selection. He gave the pick an A+ grade:

"“Jackson is an absolute steal for the Packers, who are having an incredible draft. Green Bay lands a lengthy corner who had eight interceptions last year, and can now pair him with Jaire Alexander. Bravo.”"

Be sure to check out the full FanSided draft tracker with instant grades for each pick.

Jackson was mocked to the Packers in the first round over and over again. The fact he dropped all the way to their second-round selection, without needing to trade up, was surprising. But Gutekunst won’t care one bit.

Fixing the pass defense was the top priority for Gutekunst this offseason. There’s still work to do, particularly up front with the pass rush, but the Packers have made a strong start.

The cornerback room now features Jackson, Alexander and King, as well as veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House. The Packers also have an exciting starting safety duo of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Josh Jones.

Only time will tell whether the Alexander and Jackson picks pay off. But right now, it’s understandable that a number of fans are excited about the team’s opening two selections.

Next: Grade, instant reaction to Josh Jackson pick

Based on the value of picking Jackson at No. 45, it’s hard to disagree that this was an A+ pick for the Packers. We’ll find out in the coming seasons whether this is an accurate assessment.