Is Dexter Jackson Better Suited For Special Teams?

The Bucs needed to pick up a dynamic wide receiver in the NFL Draft. As a surprise to many, the Bucs picked up Dexter Jackson, an explosive wideout from Division II-A school Appalachian State. Many scouting reports had Jackson as being a premier special teams player, as opposed to the playmaking receiver the Bucs needed. Even now, questions arise as to whether or not Jackson will ever be a starter in the league. Is he better suited for special teams? Let’s take a look.

Jackson has been considered a dynamic return man, one who will really contribute to special teams. He has great hands, speed, and vision, which can make him a threat to score everytime he touches the ball. In his career, Jackson returned 35 kickoffs for 619 yards and 93 punts for 837 yards and two touchdowns. The Bucs have never really had a special teams impact player. As Devin Hester has taught us, the perfect return man can change a game. While the Bucs have considered special teams invaluable for a mere 32 years, it is time for them to start investing in those positions. Dexter Jackson could cause fits to any defense he faces.

As a wide receiver, Jackson had 110 receptions for 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 16.8 yards per catch. While he was the standout receiver for the Mountaineers, his fundamentals aren’t that good. He’s not a very good route runner, and he has been known to drop catchable balls, as he demonstrated in training camp. His techniques need work, as does his body. He is not very strong or physical, which limited his blocking skills. As a wide receiver, all that he has to rely on is his speed, as even his hands can fool him.

Even with explosive speed, his numbers as a wide receiver are only subpar. Playing against weak competition should have inflated his numbers, but didn’t. With numbers like this against Division II-A teams, it is scary to think how he will deal with NFL teams. There may be a talented wide receiver lurking inside him, but nothing is happening right now. The Bucs should utilize Dexter Jackson primarily on special teams, and use him as a #4 to #5 wideout, behind Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, and Ike Hilliard. The Bucs need that playmaker, but for right now, Jackson should utilize his talents someplace else.