Grading the pick: Packers double down on pressing need by drafting Domani Jackson from Alabama with clear intent
The Packers used the 201st overall pick, in the sixth round, to select Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson, who suffered with injuries but has upside.
General manager Brian Gutekunst loves to double down on positions of need. If one doesn’t pan out, the team has more depth. And that’s exactly what the Green Bay Packers did in the sixth round of the draft. With the 201st overall pick, the team drafted Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson.
Watching his tape, it’s easy to see Jackson helping in run defense, which is extremely impactful for the defense — and he can also be impactful on special teams, a necessity for a late-round pick.
Domani Jackson’s Key Facts and Stats Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Two seasons at USC, two at Alabama
- Passer rating when targeted when from 59.2 in 2024 to 116.9 in 2025
- Only 15 college career snaps in the slot
- 86.0 PFF tackling grade
- 160 college career special teams snaps
Domani Jackson’s scouting report
This is what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote about Jackson:
“A two-year starter at Alabama (and three-year starter overall), Jackson played on the perimeter in defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s scheme (press bail, off coverage). A top-five national recruit out of high school, his career trajectory took a turn as he rehabbed a knee injury, which delayed his development at both USC and Alabama. He returned to Tuscaloosa for his senior year to boost his draft stock, but his snaps and production declined from his junior year.
“Jackson flashes the linear speed that made him a record-setting sprinter in high school. However, his cover instincts and understanding of the nuances of his position aren’t on the same level. He is late to transition from his backpedal and can get turned around with his match movements. He needs to do a better job tracking the quarterback through the route and play stronger through the catch (only one pass breakup in 2025).” — Dane Brugler
Positional reasoning
In a vacuum, this was clearly the biggest need on the roster entering the draft — and it had been for two years. That’s why Gutekunst utilized the team’s first pick, in the second round, to draft Brandon Cisse. But as the GM had said before the draft, it was also a matter of numbers — the roster needed more depth.
The Packers did sign Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, but they also released Nate Hobbs. The boundary situation is better as a consequence, but the overall situation of the depth was questionable at best. Beyond St-Juste, there are only Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine with meaningful NFL experience, and both have expiring deals.
Grade: B
