NFL Draft: Outside Linebacker Justin Jackson Signs with the Detroit Lions

Justin Jackson has signed a contract with the Detroit Lions, who are coached by former Wake Forest and Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell.

Sounds like another Richmond Raider has an NFL team. Justin Jackson from Wake Forest will be headed to the @DetroitLionsNFL

— Greg Williams (@CoachWilliamsRC) May 11, 2014

Justin Jackson is an athletic outside linebacker who had a very productive final three seasons at Wake Forest. The outside linebacker finished his Wake Forest career with 196 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. At his pro day he had impressive combine numbers including 27 bench press reps of 225 pounds, a 39 inch vertical jump, and a 10' 9" broad jump. He did not run the 40 yard dash due to a hamstring injury.

The Lions did select outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy from BYU with the 40th pick in the draft, but Jackson is the only linebacker outside of Van Noy who the Lions have targeted in either the draft or post-Draft free agency period. Given their lack of linebackers and Justin's athleticism, it's possible he will be able to make the team. Congratulations to Justin!