Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Tre’ Jackson
Since Tre’ Jackson wears the No. 63 jersey for the New England Patriots, he is the subject of discussion today as we mark 63 days until the Patriots open 2016.
Size: 6-foot-4, 320 pounds
College: Florida State
2015 stats: Nine starts (13 games)
NFL experience: One season
Hometown: Jesup, Georgia
A stout presence on the interior of the Patriots’ offensive line, Jackson made his mark as a rookie by getting starting nods in over half of the regular season games. Dante Scarnecchia saw potential in Jackson during his trips to Florida State, and sure enough, Jackson seems to be fitting in well next to former Seminoles teammate Bryan Stork.
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Unfortunately, a knee injury held Jackson out of both playoff games, and he underwent a knee scope earlier this offseason that has some wondering if Jackson will be available at the start of the season. Luckily for the Patriots, their depth at guard burgeoned over the offseason.
Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:
65 days – No. 65 Jonathan Cooper
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Newcomer Jonathan Cooper has been practicing pretty much exclusively at right guard during offseason workouts. Josh Kline was the most dependable and consistent offensive lineman the Patriots had last year. Jackson’s fellow sophomore pro, Shaq Mason, is slated for a breakout second season. And then there’s draft picks Joe Thuney and Ted Karras.
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So while Jackson is a promising part of the Patriots’ offensive line development, the success of the unit does not hinge on Jackson suiting up for Week 1 if that knee isn’t all the way ready. If need be, the Pats may slap Jackson on the PUP as an insurance policy that guarantees them a healthy interior lineman when injuries may start hiting in mid-October.
Next: 10 most promising sophomore pros on Pats’ roster
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow as we mark 62 days until the Patriots open 2016 by profiling the owner of the No. 62 jersey, rookie offensive lineman Joe Thuney.