Georgia receiver Kearis Jackson signs deal following 2023 NFL Draft

Kearis Jackson had an interesting career at Georgia over the last five seasons. It has paid off, though, as he’ll now take his talents to the NFL.

Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans following the 2023 NFL Draft on a deal that includes $78,000 guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He saw his production dip over the last two seasons, but still played a key role in helping Georgia to back-to-back national championships.

In 2022, Jackson totaled 320 receiving yards in 15 games one year after finishing with 194 yards and a touchdown. He was also key in the return game, taking 18 kickoffs back for 391 yards.

All told, during his career, Jackson returned 35 kicks for 805 yards and 42 punts for 338 yards.

His biggest year of his career came in 2020 when he had 514 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games amid the COVID-19-impacted season. That season, he put together a big performance against Auburn when he had nine receptions for 147 yards and followed it up with 91 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee the next week.

At the NFL scouting combine, Jackson ran a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and had a 1.52 10-yard split. He also turned in a 10’6″ in the broad jump.

Jackson played high school football at Peach County (Ga.) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 112 overall recruit in the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Kearis Jackson

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein offered his thoughts about Jackson amid his up-and-down career with Georgia. He pointed to some gaps in Jackson’s game, but noted his ability to perform as a returner and blocker. That could make him an intriguing player to watch in the lead-up to the season.

“Compact slot receiver with a lack of impressive production but flashes of talent as a zone-beater on intermediate routes,” Zierlein wrote. “Jackson doesn’t have early explosiveness into the route, but he builds up speed cruising through open spaces. He’s not a natural hands-catcher but didn’t drop many balls and showed an ability to catch through contact in 2022. Jackson needs an accurate passer due to his limited catch radius and jump-ball potential. Given his kick return ability and willingness to get after it as a blocker, he has avenues to a roster spot.”