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J.C. Jackson’s rise from undrafted rookie to defensive contributor is one of the best stories of the Patriots season

Almost exactly one year ago, on December 9, 2017, a post popped up on J.C. Jackson’s Instagram account titled simply “NEW CHAPTER...” The accompanying picture featured a text by the defensive back announcing his decision to forgo his final year of college eligibility to try his luck in the NFL. After two seasons as the Maryland Terrapins’ top cornerback, Jackson was on to the next challenge: making it in the pros.

Most of his résumé entering the draft process was solid. The former high school All-American had the best year of his college career in 2017 and recorded a team-high three interceptions as a physical press-man cornerback that had a knack for locating the football in the air.