2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jha’Quan Jackson (WR – Tulane)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Tulane wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson.

2024 NFL Draft Guide

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jha’Quan Jackson

Jha’Quan Jackson (WR – Tulane)

5’11” – 185 lbs.

Background:

Jha’Quan Jackson’s uncle is the legendary Ed Reed. Was a three-star recruit and Louisiana native who played sparingly in 2019 before stepping into the slot role the following year, which he maintained for the rest of his career. Caught 31-425-8 (13.7) in 2020, 18-296-1 (16.4) in 2021, 32-554-3 (17.3) in 2022 and 26-439-4 (16.9) this past season.

Positives:

Has three years of experience manning the slot. Nice, flexible athlete with adequate size for an inside receiver. Attacks the cornerback’s leverage as he comes off the line of scrimmage. Shows impressive quickness and suddenness with attention to detail at the stem to separate; does a nice job of adding window dressing to his routes and sinking his hips. Was able to get separation with some nice whip routes during the games reviewed. Most of his routes came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage but he flashes build-up speed to work the seams. The team had him running some slot fades as well; year-to-year route distribution varied. Able to track and adjust to throws downfield. Gives a pretty good effort as a stalk blocker, working to line up opponents and stay connected through the whistle, engaging from a solid base. Effective kick/punt returner with solid vision and the elusiveness to make defenders miss.

Negatives:

Was never really a high-volume target in school and game-to-game output varied significantly. Didn’t take significant snaps as an outside receiver. Not the strongest receiver and may struggle to get off the line against physical jams at the next level. Tends to settle into coverage at the end of his routes. Has nine drops against 109 career catches, suggesting average reliability; can take his eyes off the ball and lose concentration at times. Looks like he alligator-arms some throws over the middle of the field when contact is looming. Doesn’t present the biggest target and lacks the size/frame to consistently come down with contested catches.

Summary:

A quick slot receiver who shows some attention to detail at the stems of his routes and who can also challenge defenses downfield on seam routes, slot fades and wheels. His lack of ideal size and functional strength could make it difficult for him to stay on track against physical coverage and impact his effectiveness as a blocker and in contested-catch situations. Experience returning both kicks and punts in school could provide him with a way to get playing time early in his career. Looks like a mid-to-late-round option.

Projection: Round 6