Undrafted Corner Gaining Buzz Around New England Patriots, NFL

Corner J.C. Jackson is sure a diamond in the mud.

The Maryland corner got a more significant role in the past few weeks, and saw at least 80% of the defensive snaps in each of the Patriots four games. The best part came last week in the game against the Buffalo Bills.

Just steady grinder, one day at a time, just trying to get better. If he makes mistakes, try to correct it. He works at it, usually shows some improvement in that area, go on to something else. But, his durability, his consistency and just being out there every day practicing, doing things, getting corrected, getting better, working on them the next day. I mean, that’s really how you improve. So, practicing and being durable and being consistent, it goes a long way,” head coach Bill Belichick said.

“Well, obviously, he’s a very good cover guy. He understands the defense very well. He’s feisty. He does a lot of things well. He has some good teachers there with [Stephon] Gilmore and the McCourty’s both back there and [Patrick] Chung, so he learns a lot and obviously he’s applying it,” Jets head coach Todd Bowles said of the corner.

Jackson totaled 17 tackles, five passes defensed and three interceptions in his 12 games.

“We have fun with J.C. He’s the guy that in practice he makes the one-handed interceptions,” Devin McCourty said.

“We know he’s talented and can play and we’ve got his back. Just to see him out there executing, not just [Sunday], but all week in practice. We had him in some tough situations where we were counting on him to make plays sometimes by himself with no help and he showed up. He had been doing that every time we gave him an opportunity to be out there. It’s like having a little brother out there succeeding each team he comes out there. I love having him out there.”

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