Packers News Report: What to expect from Packers second-round pick Josh Jackson in 2018 by Freddie Boston

What to expect from Green Bay Packers rookie Josh Jackson this season.

New general manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t just address the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest need, cornerback, in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Oh no. He backed it up by selecting another corner, Iowa’s Josh Jackson, in the second round. Many believed Jackson would be a first-round pick, potentially by the Packers at No. 14.

Jaire Alexander and Jackson are the future of the Green Bay Packers’ secondary.

What can we expect from Jackson in his rookie year?

Odds of making roster: 100 percent

Josh Jackson should have no concerns about not making the 53-man roster. It would take something big for him not to be part of the team’s plans this season. He likely won’t earn a starting job right away, but Jackson could have a big future in Green Bay.

2018 preview

While it may take some time for Jackson to make the transition to the NFL — the same goes for first-round pick Jaire Alexander — one area he can help right away is the interception column.

Last season the Packers had just 11 picks, tied for 20th in the NFL. Jackson made a habit of taking the ball away, making eight interceptions for Iowa last year.

While we should expect both Jackson and Alexander to make mistakes in their rookie seasons, it’s possible Jackson makes a number of big plays too.

So far, so good this offseason for both rookie corners.

According to Peter Bukowski of Acme Packing Company, both Alexander and Jackson have been impressing coaches. As Bukowski noted, here’s what passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had to say about Jackson:

“He’s constantly in that meeting room; he might be in that meeting room right now. He studies as much as any rookie we’ve ever had. He asks really good questions, he can play multiple positions, and then he is sticky. He understands concepts. He can get in and out of breaks. When he makes a mistake, he doesn’t make that same mistake again. I’ve been very pleased with him.”

It’s early, and we haven’t even got to training camp yet. But so far, the early signs are encouraging for the Packers’ second-round pick.

The Green Bay Packers will be hoping Jackson develops into a starter at cornerback, while contributing in some way as a rookie.

Even if takes him some time to adjust to the NFL game, I fully expect Green Bay’s secondary to be much improved with Jackson and Alexander on the team.