Key Takeaways:
– San Francisco 49ers likely to cut ties with failed second-round pick, Drake Jackson.
– Jackson struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, resulting in his possible departure from the lineup.
– San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch predicts significant roster changes for the 49ers in 2024, with Jackson’s cut being a major highlight.
– The 49ers are striving to rebuild a strong defensive lineup, targeting victory in the Super Bowl.
Disappointments and Departures: The 49ers’ Plan
The San Francisco 49ers, one of the most-watched teams in the National Football League (NFL), are reportedly planning to part ways with their 2022 draft pick, Drake Jackson. Deemed a steal in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jackson captured the 49ers’ attention due to his impressive performance at USC. However, his first two seasons with the 49ers were less than stellar, resulting in projected separations.
Assessing Jackson’s Performance: Ups and Downs
Jackson, initially viewed as a marginal first-round contender, was expected to rank in the top 50 of the draft. The 49ers selected him with the penultimate second-round pick. Despite a promising start in his rookie year, contributing to 33% of the team’s snaps across 15 games, Jackson struggled to maintain consistency.
The 2023 season began optimistically with Jackson commanding attention by claiming three sacks in the opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sadly, the rest of the season was marred by injuries and inefficiencies. Jackson’s performance dwindled to registering only four tackles, losing his position and not playing after Week 8. Given his lackluster performance, Jackson is predicted to be excised from the 49ers’ roster, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch.
Unpacking the 49ers’ 2024 Roster: The Rebuilding Phase
As part of a larger strategic move by the team, the 49ers are expected to retain nine defensive linemen, including standout players Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave and new signings Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Jordan Elliott. Additionally, veteran Kevin Givens and 2023 fifth-rounder Robert Beal are projected to hold their positions, while undrafted free agent Evan Anderson will join the fray.
This reshuffling, which welcomes five new faces to the lineup, follows the unexpected release of Arik Armstead in March. The 49ers aim to build a strong, capable defensive lineup that can lead them to a Super Bowl win, which leaves little room for inconsistent performers like Jackson.
Spotlight on Jackson: Future Prospects
Despite the criticisms, 49ers’ General Manager John Lynch seemed hopeful about Jackson’s future during the last season. In an interview with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, he expressed his belief in Jackson’s potential and shared his commitment to investing time and energy in the young player’s development. However, given the team’s ambitious Super Bowl goal, his position could change if no significant improvement is seen by the end of the preseason camp.
Branch, in his predictions, also foresees the team parting ways with several other significant recent picks, such as fourth-rounder Spencer Burford and third-rounder Danny Gray from 2022 and cornerback Ambry Thomas, who was picked in 2021.
For the 49ers, it seems the 2024 season will be an exciting opportunity to observe new talent and witness significant changes in the team dynamics, with Jackson’s predicted departure being a major turning point.