OWINGS MILLS, Md. — In an effort to build depth at cornerback as well as boost their underwhelming return game, the Ravens drafted Cal Poly cornerback Asa Jackson with their only fifth round pick at 169th overall.
Jackson brings good speed (a 4.44 second 40-yard dash at Hawaii’s scouting event) as well as an ability to return punts, which could allow the Ravens to replace top cornerback Lardarius Webb at that spot. The Mustangs’ team captain thrived as a punt returner and took over primary kickoff return duties during his senior season.
He averaged 14.2 yards per punt return during his collegiate career and 21.2 yards per kickoff return at FCS school Cal Poly. He gained notoriety after being invited to the Senior Bowl, becoming only the second Cal Poly player to receive the invite.
At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Jackson has average size for a cornerback but showed good strength at the scouting combine and earned the reputation for superb man coverage skills in college, albeit against FCS competition.
