NFL free agency: CB Adoree Jackson to reportedly visit Giants

The New York Giants continue to add players to their roster as the Kenny Golladay sweepstakes has yet to be determined. Now, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, they’re looking into the cornerback market, with former Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson as a possibility.

Jackson was the 18th selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and he has some good NFL film on his resume. He was a solid starting cornerback for the Titans up until he injured his knee before the 2020 season. Jackson returned to the team from Week 15 through the Titans’ 20-13 Wildcard loss to the Ravens.

Jackson is 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, and is on the leaner side for a cornerback. He has track type of speed and may not be the most disciplined corner, and he can get grabby at times, but his athletic traits are phenomenal for the position. He’s also dangerous with the football in his hands - has special teams upside. His ball skills are solid as well - he gets to the catch point and plays physically, despite his leaner frame.

Jackson’s athletic traits allow him to be very effective in man coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, he has the fourth-highest man coverage grade since 2018, only behind the Packers’ Jaire Alexander, the 49ers’ Richard Sherman, and the Patriots Stephon Gilmore.

The release of Jackson last week comes as somewhat of a surprise. He’s been effective when he’s on the field; he may be more of a No. 2 cornerback, rather than a true No. 1, but there must have been something going on with Jackson and the Titans organization. Nevertheless, he becomes one of the top corners on the market, and he’s entertaining the Giants.

New York could use help alongside James Bradberry at the No. 22 outside corner spot and Jackson would be a good addition. There’s no doubt his relationship with current Giants’ safety Logan Ryan probably plays into this meeting as well. A one-year prove-it deal to a 25-year-old with upside would be a smart play by the Giants. I’m not sure where the cap space is coming from as of now, but the addition of Jackson would help this defense in 2021.