Deandre Jackson

**bootcy** · 05-01-2007, 04:52 PM

From the Ames tribune:

Cornerback DeAndre Jackson spent Sunday afternoon much like those two, though he found out after the draft his name was never called.

The cornerback said Monday he was not eligible for selection because he failed his physical at February's combine in Indianapolis. Jackson tore ligaments in his right knee against Oklahoma last October and has been working himself back into shape since.

"A lot of teams wanted to pick me up but they couldn't," he said.

Jackson has a tryout with the New York Jets scheduled for next week.

"The doctors have to see me perform and then if they like what they see, they'll sign me," he said. "I've got to go out there and show them I can play. I'm starting from the bottom."

Mid-Iowa Newspapers - Brant is lone Cyclone selected in NFL Draft

**dbronco7sc** · 05-01-2007, 04:54 PM

Cool... thanks for the post!

**Drive4cy** · 05-01-2007, 04:54 PM

He's a class act who didn't deserve that injury to happen. I really hope he turns this around.

**BvK1126** · 05-01-2007, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by bootcy

From the Ames tribune:
The cornerback said Monday he was not eligible for selection because he failed his physical at February's combine in Indianapolis. Jackson tore ligaments in his right knee against Oklahoma last October and has been working himself back into shape since.

"A lot of teams wanted to pick me up but they couldn't," he said.

Interesting... This rule didn't seem to apply to Willis McGahee when the Bills drafted him in the first round back in 2003. His knee was still all kinds of messed up after that injury he sustained in the BCS title game. There's no way he would have passed a draft physical just 3 months afterward. Maybe the rules have changed, but it sounds like doublespeak from the league to me. But I think this might benefit Jackson in the long run. He can get healthy and have his pick of teams to try out for, rather than getting drafted in the late rounds and then being cut.

**ISUFan22** · 05-01-2007, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by BvK1126

Interesting... This rule didn't seem to apply to Willis McGahee when the Bills drafted him in the first round back in 2003. His knee was still all kinds of messed up after that injury he sustained in the BCS title game. There's no way he would have passed a draft physical just 3 months afterward. Maybe the rules have changed, but it sounds like doublespeak from the league to me. But I think this might benefit Jackson in the long run. He can get healthy and have his pick of teams to try out for, rather than getting drafted in the late rounds and then being cut.

I thought the same thing. Was there a rule change? This is very strange.

What about that running back from Louisville?

Perhaps these other guys didn't go to Indy, therefore didn't fail the physical. Maybe it's not about actually doing the physical, but failing it is the problem.

**cybsball20** · 05-01-2007, 05:23 PM

and people wonder why some kids might choose to leave school early...

**Erik4Cy** · 05-01-2007, 05:27 PM

sucks to think about how much money he lost right away just bcuz of that unlucky injury...I hope he gets 100% again, bcuz he needs to be playing with an NFL team (I'd love it if my Cowboys somehow picked him up)

**LindenCy** · 05-01-2007, 05:34 PM

I am glad to hear something that makes some bit of sense at least. I hope he is healthy and makes some noise in the league.

**ISU Clone** · 05-01-2007, 05:54 PM

Deandre Jackson is number 8 on Fox Sports Top Ten Best Players Not Drafted. Here is what Peter Schrager has to say:

8. De'Andre Jackson, CB, Iowa State: I think Jackson would have been a first-day pick in this year's draft had he not torn his ACL at the end of the 2006 season. Iowa State 's top cornerback, as well as a dynamic kick returner, Jackson can do a lot of things on the football field. Does a team take a risk on his knee healing? Is he good enough to be a top-flight corner, even with a fully healed knee? A team with cornerback needs should pay to find out. As of Monday, however, Jackson was still unsigned. Schrager mock draft position: Sixth round, No. 205 to Washington

Link: FOX Sports - NFL Draft - Top 10 best players not drafted

**jdoggivjc** · 05-01-2007, 06:02 PM

I don't know the details of the rule, but I'm guessing there's not a rule that says you CAN'T draft a player that doesn't pass the physical. There might be a rule, however, stating that if you take that gamble by drafting a player that doesn't pass the physical and it doesn't pan out for the team (the player never completely heals, leaves him less aggressive, or isn't talented enough), you may have to still pay the money. Willis McGahee had the kind of skills worth taking that kind of gamble (it for the most part worked out for them, although he's no longer there). Jackson is highly skilled and will be successful in the NFL when given the chance, but secondary are a dime a dozen in the draft. Someone like Jackson isn't worth risking that kind of guaranteed money.

**joepublic** · 05-01-2007, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

and people wonder why some kids might choose to leave school early...

I never, ever begrudge a kid for leaving early.

**Dave19642006** · 05-01-2007, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

I thought the same thing. Was there a rule change? This is very strange.

What about that running back from Louisville?

Perhaps these other guys didn't go to Indy, therefore didn't fail the physical. Maybe it's not about actually doing the physical, but failing it is the problem.

or Ginn He had a boot on still