MARLIN JACKSON At a glance

Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 198 pounds
High school: Sharon (2001)
College: Michigan
Key stats: Started seven games as a true freshman in 2001. Became full-time starter at cornerback as a sophomore. Has also played safety. First team All-Big Ten and second-team All-America as a senior. One of draft's top-rated DBs. Ran 4.46 40-yard dash at U-M pro day. Projected to be mid to late first round pick.
Strengths: Big, physical player who can play zone or man-to-man. Not afraid to challenge receivers. Good upper body strength, good balance and good burst. Solid tackler who will be an asset in run support. Benefited from facing top competition, including Michigan wideout Braylon Edwards.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal top-end speed. Sometimes gambles too often and does not always show good ball skills. Sometimes inconsistent on the field and has had some off-the-field problems.
History lesson: Some past NFL players from Sharon include Randy Holloway, a first-round pick by the Vikings out of Pitt in 1978. Mike Archie (Penn State) was drafted by Houston in the seventh round in 1996.
Vindicator staff report