Saints Draft: Grading the fifth-round selection of D’Marco Jackson

The New Orleans Saints‘ draft has come to a close and one of their Day 3 picks was D’Marco Jackson. The Saints drafted the Appalachian State linebacker in the fifth round, spending the 161st pick on Jackson.

Linebacker wasn’t necessarily looked at as a major need for the black and gold as they entered the 2022 NFL Draft but Jackson is an intriguing addition to the defensive roster.

Demario Davis and Pete Werner are the two starting linebackers with Zack Baun and Kaden Elliss sitting behind them on the depth chart. Jackson presents a huge threat to Baun this year, as the former third-round pick out of Wisconsin has disappointed since joining the team two years ago. If Jackson pops off the page this year, Baun could be demoted and eventually searching for a new team.

What grade do the Saints deserve for their pick of D’Marco Jackson?

I like this pick for New Orleans.

Sure, linebacker wasn’t a major need for the Saints but once you get to Day 3 of the draft, teams are mostly searching for depth and developmental prospects. Jackson fits the Saints’ defense to a tee and I’m excited to see what he can do for this team moving forward.

With all of this in mind, it’s time to give the D’Marco Jackson selection a grade.

Even with linebacker not being a big need, Jackson just feels like he belongs in a Saints uniform. He already mentioned that he’s willing to play any position the team needs him at. He’s also a fierce tackler, notching 119 through 14 games as a senior. New Orleans loves adding tackling machines and Jackson proved he’s just that.

I’m giving the Saints a B+ for their selection of Jackson. Linebacker wasn’t a position they needed to spend a fifth-rounder on but Jackson presents a versatile player who can step into this defense and become a key contributor for them.

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What grade are you giving the D’Marco Jackson pick?