DE Jackson picked by 49ers in second round of the draft
USC defensive end Drake Jackson is staying in California.
Jackson was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday, taken with the 61st overall pick.
When speaking to reporters after the selection, Jackson could hardly suppress his excitement.
“Right after this, I think I'm going to jump in the pool with everybody. It's going to get crazy,” Jackson said, wearing a necklace with a model of the Coliseum hanging from it. “It felt like I walked outside of my body. I couldn't believe it. My whole life has been dedicated to this moment.”
Jackson is the second Trojan selected in this year's draft following receiver Drake London, who was picked eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons during the first round Thursday night.
Arriving at USC as a fourstar recruit out of Corona Centennial High, Jackson was an instant sensation on campus. He was the breakout star of the 2019 spring game, then turned that into a productive freshman season. He started 11 games, making 46 tackles while leading USC in tackles for loss (11½) and sacks (5½).
For his efforts, Jackson was named to the All-Pac-12 second team following his freshman year.
After the arrival of new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, Jackson shed 20 pounds — down to 255 — as he prepared to play a hybrid linebacker position in the new scheme. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season,
USC's Drake Jackson had a tough junior season, but was still taken in the second round by the 49ers.
he again made second-team All-Pac-12 with 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception.
Prior to his junior season, Jackson revealed he would leave USC following the campaign, declaring 2021 his “money year.”
But a preseason case of COVID-19 caused him to lose an additional five pounds and injuries limited his effectiveness. He still earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, but he recorded just 37 tackles along with five sacks and a forced fumble.
As he prepared for the NFL draft, Jackson put on weight again in preparation to play defensive end at the next level. He got back up to his freshman year weight of 275 but did not run the 40yard dash for scouts as he adjusted to his new body.
In San Francisco, Jackson will be reunited with former Trojans safety Talanoa Hufanga, who was picked by the 49ers in 2021.
He will also get the chance to pair with the Niners' disruptive pass rusher Nick Bosa.
“He's literally a gremlin. He's a monster. He puts fear in the linemen's eyes,” Jackson said of Bosa.