Based on stats, JC Jackson is one of the more underrated cornerbacks in football.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson has led qualified corners in passer rating allowed the last two seasons. But, he's only started 11 games in that timeframe and often doesn't get discussed much when the Patriots secondary is discussed.
"Each year is different," Jackson said Monday via video conference. "No matter what the stats say from last season, each season you've got to prove yourself. You've got to earn a roster — like Bill (Belichick) says, 'You've got to earn here. And I won't give you anything.' So, my stats from last year don't mean anything. I just come to work with my head down, and I just come in ready to work and get better."
Jackson was told Next Gen Stats ranked him as the NFL's second-best coverage player -- behind Stephon Gilmore -- last season.
"I know what I can do," he said. "It is what it is, I guess. They just started to realize it, but I've been knowing what I can do to help this team."
Over the first two years of his career, Jackson has primarily played out on the outside, but perhaps that could change this year if he's given an increased role.
"Yeah, I can cover anything, man, like getting out on an island," he said. "Intermediate routes, deep balls, I just got a lot more deep balls last year and in my first year, and I just took advantage of my opportunities when it came my way. But I can cover anything."
Earlier in the day, Belichick seemed to hint an increased role could be coming.
"I think his understanding of the defense and his ability to play different spots within the defense has grown, and that gives us some flexibility on a number of levels," he said. "He's had a good camp, been out there every day, he's taken a lot of reps, he's in good condition, his techniques and fundamentals are pretty good. So, he continues to make plays for us on the field and expand the things that he can do to provide, as I said, more versatility and for him to create either bigger or sometimes different roles for himself or for his teammates."
Jackson is in a cornerbacks room that includes Gilmore, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, D'Angelo Ross, Justin Bethel, Michael Jackson and Myles Bryant.
