Recently, ESPN conducted a survey that polled executives, players and coaches to determine the best 10 players at 11 positions in the NFL. Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers) was ranked No. 1, while Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers), Justin Simmons (Denver Broncos), Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals) and Jevon Holland (Miami Dolphins) rounded out the top 5.
So, we have a good pretty sense of who the league deems as the top back-end defenders in the NFL. Notably missing from the list altogether, including the honorable mentions, is Chicago Bears’ safety Eddie Jackson. Now, if this was a poll that was done a few years ago, Jackson would’ve almost certainly been included. The 29-year-old Jackson is a two-time Pro Bowler (2018, 19) and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2018.
That was five years ago. And while he did receive a vote, he isn’t thought of as one of the best players at his position.
However, that hasn’t stopped Jackson from excluding a lot of confidence in himself. He recently made what others may deem as an insanely bold claim, but it’s not to him. Jackson signed a contract extension following the 2019 season that made him the highest-paid safety in the league at the time. He certainly hasn’t played like it over the past three seasons, but it’s clear that he thinks better things are ahead for him this season.
“I’m going to have one of the best seasons ever played by a safety!” Jackson wrote.
Im going to have one of the best seasons ever played by a safety!
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) July 19, 2023
“Mark my words!!!”
Mark my words!!!
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) July 19, 2023
It remains to be seen if Jackson can follow through on his word.
[Eddie Jackson on Twitter via Pro Football Talk]
