Every NFL draft pick has a unique journey. Khyree Jackson’s path to the Minnesota Vikings is quite remarkable and could even be a movie script someday, especially if he succeeds in the league.
The Vikings chose Jackson in the fourth round, making him their first pick on the last day of the draft. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 194 pounds, Jackson, who hails from Oregon, excels in press coverage and run defense, making him a good fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system.
Not too long ago, Jackson faced uncertainty about his football future.
After winning two state championships in Maryland as a wide receiver for Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Jackson faced academic challenges that led him to take a different path.
Initially enrolling at Arizona Western Community College, he returned home to Maryland shortly after. Feeling ashamed of his decision, he took a break from school and worked in a deli at a Harris Teeter supermarket, where he even earned an employee of the month award.
During this time, he honed his skills in video games and considered pursuing a career in the NBA 2K esports league.
However, everything changed when Fort Scott Community College reached out to him about returning to football.
In 2019, after two years away from the sport, Jackson joined Fort Scott Community College, transitioned to playing cornerback, and reignited his football journey, putting him back on track for a college football career.
After attending East Mississippi Community College and dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, Jackson transferred to Alabama. He made his first start in the national championship game after the 2021 season and later moved to Oregon to finish his college career.
During the Senior Bowl, the 24-year-old impressed Vikings coaches.
“I confidently told them I was the best corner in the draft,” Jackson said. “I believed they might get me at a lower cost due to certain factors. I had a strong season, facing many talented receivers and quarterbacks in a pass-heavy conference.”
Although the Vikings added Shaquill Griffin in free agency and have returning starters Byron Murphy and Akayleb Evans, as well as Mekhi Blackmon and Andrew Booth in contention, the cornerback position remains open for competition.
