Then and now: Dexter Jackson

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Dexter Jackson never got to showcase his speed for the Bucs.

The 2008 draft class series rolls on as I look at wide receiver Dexter Jackson. Jackson, the 5’9″, 182 lb. receiver out of Appalachian State was the Bucs 2nd round pick. Jackson ran the fastest time at the NFL combine, posting a 4.27 in the 40 yard dash and getting everyone’s attention. His time in Tampa was short lived though.

Jackson became known around the country after his efforts in the Appalachian vs. Michigan game, in which Jackson ran all over Big Blue’s defense leading them to one of the biggest upsets in college history. Jackson came to the Bucs system and with high expectations; he signed a 4 year deal early, but he never saw the field, being waived in 2009. According to Coach Raheem Morris, Jackson never hit into their system. Jackson has now signed with the Carolina Panthers (hope he doesn’t cause the Bucs defense any troubles when they play this season).

It is a shame that Jackson never got a chance to play for the Bucs. It wasn’t because of his size; Stroughter and Smith aren’t much bigger than him. It would have been interesting to see what Jackson could have done in the slot receiver position. He had the speed to become a nice weapon for the Bucs, but due to systems and coaching decisions, Jackson never got to show what he is capable of doing.