The New England Patriots are taking a long, close look at cornerback J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent.

Considered a talented draft prospect, Jackson went undrafted in 2018 likely due to a legal history, an armed robbery charge for which he was found not guilty. The charge was enough for him to leave the University of Florida and transfer to the University of Maryland, where he showed why he was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.

Even when considering that talent, he is still a long shot to be a starter for the Patriots. The Patriots drafted a cornerbacks in the second round (Duke Dawson) and in the seventh round (Keion Crossen). Yet Jackson has often been working with the first-team defense across from Stephon Gilmore. He’s facing some of the Patriots’ best receivers.

“It turns your competitiveness level up,” Jackson said after practice Wednesday. “Those guys are great. They’ve been in the league long, so it’s just a good feeling. I love coming out here to practice with those guys.”

Jackson has been in competition with incumbent starter Eric Rowe, Dawson and Ryan Lewis, among others. Jason McCourty, Cyrus Jones and Jon Jones have yet to participate in team drills, which may be a contributing factor as Jackson continues to get first-team reps. When training camp rolls around, Jackson will have much stiffer competition.

The Patriots defensive backfield may be crowded, but Jackson’s decision to join New England isn’t head-scratching. Former undrafted cornerbacks like Malcolm Butler and Jon Jones have made the roster. Under a strict disciplinarian like Belichick, Jackson may also get his NFL career started in the right way while putting his turbulent past behind him.

“There’s just a lot of great guys on this team,” Jackson said. “A lot of guys you can look up to. Not only being a good football player but off the field, too. Those guys, they teach the little things like film study, just the little stuff.”

He added: “I’m at a great place. I’ve got a great opportunity ahead of me. I just gotta keep working and improving every day.”