DeSean Jackson
WR, California · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #49 (PHI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #26 (#3 at his position), close to where he went (#49). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
California: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at 169 lbs: faster than 89% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 183 of ~242 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2022 (~76%). Last NFL season: 2022.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 183 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 11 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 75 |
| Passing | undefined/1, 0 yds, undefined TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | 72 att, 463 yds, 4 TD |
| Receiving | 641 rec, 11,263 yds, 58 TD |
| Defense | 3 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2022 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 169 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.35 s |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #26 overall (#3 WR) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 46 | Jerome Simpson | redraft #88 |
| 47 | Trevor Laws | redraft #132 |
| 48 | Fred Davis | redraft #99 |
| 50 | Calais Campbell | redraft #2 |
| 51 | Malcolm Kelly | redraft #161 |
| 52 | Quentin Groves | redraft #92 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.