No rookie receiver has looked better during preseason than DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles.
He has gotten open consistently, with 16 catches in his first three games. He has returned a punt for a touchdown, showing off his 4.35 speed. And if Jackson can stay healthy despite his diminutive 5-10, 170-pound frame, maybe the Eagles already have a big-play wide receiver to make Donovan McNabb's life easier.
Certainly, it's not typically prudent to get too high, too soon on any rookie during preseason. But the stars have aligned to give Jackson an opportunity to be a significant contributor in his first NFL season. The Eagles' top receiver, Kevin Curtis, is recovering from sports hernia surgery and figures to miss at least the first month of the season. Reggie Brown, another starter, is nursing a hamstring pull but hopes to be ready for the Sept. 7 opener.
Given regular reps and playing time, Jackson has taken advantage. And veterans have noticed his speed and elusiveness, talents that cannot be taught.
"The thing that I see, that a lot of good receivers have, is the step-back move,"
said Brian Dawkins, the veteran Eagles safety. "That's what he has, the ability to step back once he catches the ball and make that first cat miss. Then he has the acceleration to get away from them real fast. Not a lot of people have that. He definitely has it."
The Eagles expected Jackson, a second-round pick from Cal, to make an immediate impact as a punt returner. But he seems to have reached a comfort level at wide receiver more quickly than most rookies. Jackson will be used primarily as a slot receiver, which will give him room to use his speed in the middle of the field.
"I can do a lot of things from the inside,"
Jackson said. "Get the ball in my hands, I'll be able to make things happen. I know they're going try to get in my face, try to jam me at the line of scrimmage. I've been working really hard on that."
The Eagles' need for a big-play receiver has been a topic of conversation in Philly ever since Terrell Owens left town. The Eagles don't expect Jackson to be Owens. But Jackson's presence as a deep threat could make Brian Westbrook even more dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield.
"It's obvious he's going to stretch the field,"
Westbrook said of Jackson. "Defenses are going to have to plan for him. His speed alone is something they'll have to reckon with."
"I'm tired of seeing eight men in the box. I want to see opportunities where the defense has to respect our receivers. DeSean's moves and speed have been exciting for this team."
The Eagles were 17th in the NFL in scoring last season. To become legitimate Super Bowl contenders, they must improve on offense, especially in the red zone. Instead of trading for a veteran receiver, the Eagles drafted Jackson and hoped he would develop.
Eagles officials knew Jackson was fast on the field. But so far, he looks like a fast learner as well.
