Tyson Jackson SELECTED BY: Chiefs Round 1 (3)

SI Grade 4.03 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his sophomore campaign. Totals last season included 36/10.5/4.5 after 36/4.5/3.5 as a junior. Career totals of 37/10/8.5 came during his sophomore campaign.

POSITIVES: Large, athletic defensive lineman who forces the action when on his game. Plays with good knee bend, uses his hands to protect himself, and is rarely off his feet. Smooth changing direction, makes plays in every area of the field, and shows the ability to back off the line of scrimmage and then play in space on zone blitzes. Keeps his feet driving up the field, flashes power, and pushes blockers off the line, collapsing the pocket. Quick locating the ball and displays good movement skills.

NEGATIVES: Possesses only a short area burst of speed and not fast off the edge. Marginal first- step quickness. Does not play like a big, strong lineman on every down.

ANALYSIS: Jackson turned in a dominant season as a sophomore in 2006, yet he has watched his play level off since. He seemingly has all the tools to be a starter at the next level at a number of defensive line spots, including tackle, or as a two-gap end. Jackson plays with a motor that he turns on and off, and all too often, he disappears for stretches. He has early-first-round physical abilities, but his uninspired play the past two years is likely to push him into the late part of the initial frame. If Jackson decides to play on all cylinders at the next level, he'll be a starter for years to come; otherwise, he could turn into a disappointing prospect that bounces around the league.

PROJECTION: First/Second Round