In one of two unorthodox trades during the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team traded for Washington Commanders cornerback William Jackson III. Jackson, who was drafted and spent his first four seasons with AFC North rivals Cincinnati Bengals, has some ties to the Steelers. That said, Jackson played under current Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin in 2018 and spent time with head coach Mike Tomlin in the preliminary draft process in 2016. When asked about the two connections, Jackson explained they will be helpful in his transition in a press conference Wednesday, according to Steelers.com.
“I did,” Jackson said when asked if he thought the Steelers would draft him in 2016. “You know, I sat down with Mike T. [Tomlin] and all of them and we were talking and i just thought it was going to happen. But you know, things happen in draft.”
What Jackson is referring to is the Bengals’ infamous selection, which made him a pick over the Steelers, who had a significant interest in him. By all reports, the Steelers were poised to sprint with their draft card with the Jackson selection if it weren’t for the Bengals. The team famously brought in cornerback Artie Burns instead, who failed and was one of former general manager Kevin Colbert’s first-round misses.
More than anything, that trade speaks to the level of the team’s interest in the corner nearly six years later. Notably, this was the draft that came after Pittsburgh’s wild card win at Cincinnati, a game in which linebacker Vontaze Burfict faced receiver Antonio Brown. Needless to say, this was a time when tensions between the two teams were at an all-time high and the Bengals’ selection of Jackson didn’t exactly help.
For Jackson, the Steelers’ interest prior to the draft was no secret, and his time spent organizing could just come into play. However, the more immediate and recent connection with Austin may be the one that most serves his transition.
“Yeah, it’s definitely similar,” Jackson said when asked about his familiarity with Austin. “But just a different terminology. I’ve had him for a year and he’s done great with me and it’s just crazy how things turned around again.
For context, Austin was the Bengals’ defensive coordinator in 2018, their 16th and final season with head coach Marvin Lewis. This wasn’t a great season for the Bengals, who had a 6-10 record. For Jackson, this was not one of his better seasons. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a 101.9 passer rating, 38 catches and 493 yards for a solid 72.9 PFF coverage rate.
In hindsight, it’s odd to see both Jackson and Austin as Steelers in 2022. Given the team’s poor pass coverage in their recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles, any help should be appreciated. Jackson plays best in the men’s cover, which the Steelers are playing more frequently this season. While its numbers are indeed pejorative, it’s not uncommon for a change of scenery to result in a game improvement, and maybe a big one.
The trade for Jackson is a low-risk move. At best, the Steelers’ pre-draft interest has proven true and they find someone to fill the cornerback hole. Worst-case scenario, Jackson doesn’t go up, which isn’t a big deal given the small amount of waiver compensation.