Mindset of Oregon Cornerback Khyree Jackson Fits Exactly What Tennessee Titans Need

INDIANAPOLIS — Cornerback may not be the greatest position of need for the Tennessee Titans in this year's NFL Draft, but the franchise is certainly in the market. General manager Ran Carthon and coach Brian Callahan may want to take a long, hard look at former Oregon star Khyree Jackson.

Tennessee struggled in the secondary during the 2023 season, having one of the worst defenses against the pass in the NFL. The Titans ranked 19th in opponent yards per pass (7.3), 29th in opponent completion percentage (67.8%), and 32nd in interceptions (six).

Jackson ranks as the No. 54 overall prospect in the class, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). But his self-defined "dog mentality" sets him apart from other defensive backs in the class.

"I have no fear in any receiver I'm playing against," Jackson said confidently at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. "I feel like every single play — whether you're a big-name receiver, small-name receiver, you're gonna have to show me every play why you are who you are. That's one of my biggest separators in this class, how I view receivers. How I don't give anyone respect, you're gonna have to take it."

In Jackson's mind, he wouldn't be a "wait-and-see" selection in the draft. He says he's ready to get on the field immediately after hearing his name called.

"Why wait? I'm ready to produce right now," he said. "I feel like I'm the most polished cornerback in the draft."

Last season at Oregon, Jackson totaled 34 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions. He was a quick producer in his first season with the Ducks, spending his first two years in college at Alabama.

Oregon teammate Evan Williams also raved about Jackson's ability and mindset during Wednesday's media availability at the NFL Combine. 

"He's a supreme athlete. I'm sure he's gonna fly in the 40(-yard dash), he's gonnna do his thing in drills," Williams said. "On the field, he just brings a different type of mentality. I didn't have to worry too much when I was on the field with him.

"He brings a lot of length, he brings a lot of speed and he's a very physical corner. He can do it all."

Tennessee certainly needs help at offensive tackle and wide receiver. Those are probably the highest priorities. But if Jackson's stock continues to rise in Indianapolis, he deserves serious consideration as a potential second-round pick from Carthon and Callahan.