The assessment of Malik Jackson corresponds to the assessment

This is the time of year when I remember the great rogue artist Count, Victor Lustig. This is the man who defrauded Al Capone and sold the Eiffel Tower, not once, but twice.

Think of Lustig as an agent, the Eiffel Tower as an actor and the personalities of the French scrap industry as general managers and owners. This is not always the case, but all too often we see large sums invested in a promise that is never fulfilled.

For Malik Jackson, it could be said that it was almost impossible to live up to his 2016 prize. He was considered the worst case of the offseason by Football Outsiders; a real Eiffel Tower, that one. This is not because Jackson is not appreciated by their analyzes, but the contract (5 years, $ 85.5 million guaranteed, $ 42 million guaranteed) has thrown a red flag on their cost analysis formula -advantages. They were not mistaken. Jackson was good at Jacksonville, but he was running up against some big hitters.

In short, the evaluation never corresponded to the evaluation. It is understandable that the Jaguars want to evade its large number of course. It is understandable that the Philadelphia Eagles are striving to add a reliable contributor at a more reasonable price. Looking at the talent around his new award, the Eagles have certainly done it.

How is this ranking right compared to its competitors in terms of production in the field? In fact, if you understand his role and his value, rush the chess to stop the race (spoiler: I do it, as well as the market).

Pro Football Focus has awarded Jackson at least 69.9 assists in the last five seasons. He is in the top 10 of productivity in the process of spending three consecutive years. Among the domestic defensive line players taking at least 50% of the catches, he is ranked 3rd, 7th and 5th of the 2016-2018 season. This is where his strength lies, as Benjamin Solak emphasized in his Jackson movie evaluation.

With 32.5 career bags, Jackson has an added advantage even when his initial move is drunk. He recorded the 2nd highest number of passes since 2015 (15). This corresponds to his film. When he does not come home, or when he doubles his doubles, Jackson does well to follow the quarterback and shoot his hands at their release. I scored "hands in the passing lane" during 11 of the 117 accelerated shots that I drew (9.4%).

Talking about creating graphics, these 117 snapshots were spread over 4 games that I selected to get an idea of ​​Jackson's playing style and its potential impact.

Beyond the hasty appearance of the pass, another factor at play justifies its current assessment. His record of staying healthy. The best ability is availability, says the proverb.

Jackson, 29, has played more regular season games (121) than any other defensive tackle since 2012. His consecutive run of 106 matches is an underrated aspect of the independent agency with highly valued teams that can stay on the ground. .

PFF's echoed this feeling before the free agency period.

"The durability and precipitation capacity in the upper floors is sought after but rare in the NFL. Playing more than 400 shots in each of the last six seasons and looking like he does well, Jackson brings what each team is looking for. "- – Austin Gayle

The disadvantage of Jackson comes in the running. Last year, he was 51st out of 55 in the PFF run defense category. The worst is when he has responsibilities and that he is trapped. The best part of his game is to work vertically on the side of the playing field, acting as a disrupter. Its use should be limited in sensitive situations, but this role can be adequately filled by less sought after products. It will keep him cool too.

Staying cool will be a boost not only for Jackson, but for the entire defensive line. Last year, the injuries inflicted on Timmy Jernigan, Haloti Ngata and Derek Barnett forced the unit well anchored to play the excesses while she was looking for other answers.

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Despite that, Fletcher Cox had his best season as a professional, with 10.5 sacks, a career high, partly because of the multiplication of shots. This number is superb, but nearly 80% of snapshots are suboptimal. There were moments in the game where the whole line needed air but the rotation was not deep enough. They are great men who weigh heavily. it happens. Reducing it to 60-70% is ideal and would keep it at maximum scary efficiency.

Jackson will be an important element in solving this problem. I can say that with confidence, because Jackson is not a marvel of a year that is the wonder of teams who fall in love with this time of year. It is a proven and reliable piece with a clear role.

Although Jackson's agent, much like the "Earl" Lustig, was able to seduce the Jaguars by being "as elusive as a puff of cigarette and as charming as a girl's dream" , this same charm of the month of March did not prompt the Eagles to buy the Eiffel Tower. The Eagles paid the right price for the good player. The count would be dismayed.