Asa

Jackson

Jackson played plenty of off zone coverage in college and lacks a real physical nature to fight through blocks on the edge when facing the run. He has some wasted movements in coverage but has a great vertical and ball skills to make interceptions. Perhaps most of all, Jackson is a solid special teams returner with break away speed and plays to his timed 4.49 forty. He offers potential in the slot.

Baltimore is deep at cornerback with Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith, and Cary Williams. Jackson’s biggest contribution will come on special teams, where he’s expected to compete for both kickoff and punt-return duties. Jackson averaged 14.7 yards on punt returns and 25.1 yards on kickoffs at Cal Poly.

The Baltimore Sun hears it’s an Adderall-related suspension. The fifth-round rookie had been active as a special teamer the past three weeks. He won’t be eligible to return until the second week of the playoffs, provided the Ravens make it that far.

The Ravens may have to cut the cord on Jackson after this one. He was banned four games late last season for the same violation of PED policy. Jackson was a fifth-round pick in 2012. He’s a slot corner and special-teams type.

Jackson was a longtime reserve in Baltimore. He’s a roster filler after the Lions lost Quandre Diggs for the season.

Jackson could be an option at nickel back with K’Waun Williams. The 49ers waived CB Keith Reaser to clear a roster spot.

Jackson, a 2012 fifth-round pick out of Cal Poly, has been suspended twice due to unauthorized use of Adderall. He’ll contribute on special teams.

Jackson was promoted off the practice squad last month. He’ll be released with an injury settlement once he gets healthy.

The Ravens lost Corey Graham to free agency, so Brown and Asa Jackson are the only two corners behind Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. Brown was active for all 16 games last season, but played just 39 defensive snaps. It would be a surprise if Baltimore didn’t draft a cornerback with one of their six picks in the first four rounds.

Chykie Brown is Jackson’s main competition. Jackson picked off Blaine Gabbert in Thursday night’s preseason opener and has been the better player in training camp. He just needs to stay on the field; Jackson has been suspended in each of his first two NFL seasons. Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb are the starters.