5 defensive prospects the Commanders should monitor at 2024 Senior Bowl
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders should monitor Brennan Jackson
- Edge Rusher | Washington State Cougars
- What to look for: Lane discipline
The Washington Commanders need to find capable pass-rushers this offseason, Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline saved money and added to their draft assets, but it left a gaping void in a critical area of on-field production.
Brennan Jackson is one of my favorite later-round prospects in this year’s draft. Everyone has their own personal “next Maxx Crosby,” and the Washington State prospect is mine.
He is a long, rangy defensive end who shows relentless effort and a nose for the ball. Jackson can rush the passer from the outside and can chase down ball carriers all over the field. It is not unusual to see him make plays at the second or even third levels as well, because the man never stops running.
That can also be his downfall.
His eagerness to get to the quarterback or chase down a runner means he can be fooled by misdirection. I haven’t watched him enough to have an opinion on his lane discipline, but I did see him do a good job of trying not to over-pursue a couple of times this year.
If Jackson can continue to improve in that regard, he could be a real Day 3 stud for this defense. Something new Commanders' general manager Adam Peters became renowned for finding during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.