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College football analyst expresses his 'love' for one Titans late-round draft pick

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Jack Gentry | Last updated 4/30/24

It's no secret that the Tennessee Titans haven't had much luck drafting wide receivers since the franchise relocated from Houstons in 1997. Many fans believed the team would invest a high draft pick into the position, but general manager Ran Carthon waited until Day Three to add to the wide receiver room.

Tennessee nabbed Tulane wideout Jha'Quan Jackson with the 182nd overall pick in the sixth round of the draft. Jackson brings an element of speed and shiftiness the Titans have been missing for quite a while.

While it remains to be seen how head coach Brian Callahan will deploy him within the offense, there is reason to believe he will make a sizable impact as rookie. Not only was Jackson a game changer in the slot at Tulane, but he was also known to create a spark in the return game.

College football writer Michael Felder of In The Bleachers joined The Buck Reising Show on 104.5 The Zone to profess his adoration of the Titans' late-round selection.

"Love him," Felder stated. "I think he's a guy that is gonna be a problem, and you don't usually get that in round six, especially with the new kickoff rules."

The NFL will undoubtedly see an increase in kickoff returns with its new rules which will be implemented in the 2024 season. Tennessee hasn't had a reliable return man since the Marc Mariani days, so getting out in front of the rule change is a smart idea.

Jackson returned 59 punts for an average of 11.3 yards including this 90-yard house call against Memphis.

Titans sixth-round pick WR Jha’Quan Jackson is a PROBLEM in the return game pic.twitter.com/zXnPbE07aM
— Jack Gentry (@jackagentry) April 27, 2024

It's worth mentioning that Jackson did muff six punt returns in college, which was an issue with Kyle Philips, who had similar traits as the Titans drafted him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. Though nothing is handed to anybody at the NFL level, especially under a new regime in Tennessee, Jackson should enter training camp as the favorite to win the job at returner.

Jackson recorded 26 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns while earning third team All-American Athletic Conference honors, so he brings an element of versatility to Tennessee.

Carthon did well to find a player who fills a specific need while also giving quarterback Will Levis a skillset that the team previously lacked at wide receiver. Even if Jackson's only appearances come in the return game it should be viewed as a late-round winner from Carthon and Co.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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