The Giants made two rather big splashes within the first week of free agency this offseason, one on each side of the ball. The first move was the signing of wide receiver Kenny Golladay, which added a big, tough pass-catcher to an offense that the coaching staff hopes will take a big step forward this season.
The second move was the addition of cornerback Adoree' Jackson.
Jackson was a surprise cut by the Tennessee Titans right before the start of the new league year. The 25-year-old was the 18th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and one of the league's up-and-coming corners throughout his first three seasons.
The addition of Jackson marked the second significant free agent signing to the cornerback group in the last two offseasons. And after the success James Bradberry had in his first season with Big Blue, the Giants are hoping for similar results from the former USC Trojan.
Jackson racked up double-digit pass breakups in each of his first two NFL seasons, including 17 as a rookie in 2017. The speedy corner will add a lot to the Giants' defense, and should bring a steadying force to the secondary opposite Bradberry.
"I'm just going to be a great teammate, first of all, to the guys," Jackson said during the recent Giants' Town Hall session about what he will bring to the secondary. "I'm willing to learn. I don't know a lot of anything, pretty much. I'm always willing to learn. Just going out there and competing and playing, and just trying to be a brother to the guys in the locker room and keep a smile on their faces. Just be a great guy, a genuine person. That's all I know how to be.
"Football-wise, just try to be somebody that can lead by example. Going out there and competing, day in and day out, getting one percent better every day. I think that's what I'm going to bring to the table, just a competitor. Competing and not only just try to bring the best out of me, but my teammates as well."
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson put up some impressive numbers during his time in Tennessee. In each of his first three seasons, the young corner registered an overall grade of 73.0 or higher. That streak was capped with a strong 82.5 coverage grade in 2019 that ranked sixth among cornerbacks. His coverage grade when lined up outside ranked 5th among CBs.
Despite his early success, Jackson knows his game is far from complete.
"Pretty much everything," he said when asked what part of his game needs improvement. "There is not one thing that I'm set in stone or comfortable with me doing. I'm always looking for room to improve, whatever it may be. I even text Champ Bailey and ask him when I can call him and talk to him and try to get pointers and see what he thinks I can do and what I can improve on.
"I'm always trying to talk to people that have been there and done it, and have been great at what they do in trying to improve my game. I'm always willing to learn. I talk to Coach (Jerome) Henderson, we go back and forth seeing what I can improve on, what I can do and just try to stay sharp, not just physically but mentally as well."
Jackson was brought in for a visit to Quest Diagnostics Training Center before the two sides put pen to paper on a multi-year contract. It was on this visit that he was able to sit down with the front office, the coaching staff and even some players to learn more about the culture that Joe Judge and the staff have created.
After having all of those conversations with a variety of different Giants representatives, Jackson knew that the fit was too good to pass up.
"It really started with Logan Ryan," Jackson said. "He's one of the smartest guys I know, so I would ask him a bunch of questions. I asked him because he's a player, and then I asked coaches. I just tried to make sure everything aligned and everything fit with the stories they were both telling. Then other players as well because one person has one opinion. I just always ask everybody 'what are the pros and the cons? What do you like? What don't you like?'
"For me, it just balanced out and matched. What they wanted from me as a player and as a person is the same thing I wanted for myself. When those core foundations aligned, I felt like that was just a great fit for me."
The Giants have signed free agent cornerback Adoree' Jackson.
CB Adoree' Jackson stiff arms K Chris Boswell on a kick return during the first half in Pittsburgh, Nov. 16, 2017.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson intercepts a pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) lines up in the secondary during a Week 15 NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Titans 25-23. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree Jackson (25) in action on defense against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ravens defeated the Titans 20-13. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree Jackson (25) in action on defense against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ravens defeated the Titans 20-13. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) pressures Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Ravens defeat Titans 20-13. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) catches a pass during pregame warmups before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) gets set during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) gets set on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 03, 2021, in Houston. The Titans beat the Texans 41-38. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs during the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) plays the field during an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 03, 2021, in Houston. The Titans beat the Texans 41-38. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) moves in coverage against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) rushes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Ravens defeat Titans 20-13. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in coverage during an NFL AFC Championship football against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City won 35-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson defends on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 35-24. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) looks on during pregame warmups before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in coverage during an NFL AFC Championship football against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City won 35-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. The Titans won, 20-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) rushes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Ravens defeat Titans 20-13. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson gets set on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 35-24. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) reacts during an NFL AFC Championship football against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City won 35-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) stands on the field during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) drops into coverage during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (25) waits between plays during an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. The Titans beat the Ravens 28-12. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (25) lines up for the snap during an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. The Titans beat the Ravens 28-12. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks up a pass in tended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) during in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. Titans won 28-12. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) stand on the sideline against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. The Titans won 28-12. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) drops into coverage in an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 in Baltimore. The Titans defeated the Ravens 28-12
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) celebrates after a defensive play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. The Titans won 28-12. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) drops into coverage in an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New England Patriots, Saturday, January 4, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. The Titans defeated the Patriots 20-13.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks up a pass for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Miles Boykin (80) during the second half an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. The Titans won, 20-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends on the field against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. The Titans won 20-13.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) enters the field before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) stands ready for the snap of the football as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) stands in pass coverage during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) is seen in action during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 20-7. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 20-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Bills won 14-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Bills won 14-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) chases the action during the week 14 regular season NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 30-9. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in action during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ravens defeated the Titans, 21-0. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. Tennessee won 43-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) chases the action during the week 14 regular season NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 30-9. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson (25) drops into coverage in action against the New York Giants Sunday December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) warms up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL regular season game against the Houston Texans on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Houston. The Texans won, 34-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Washington Redskins in the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 25-16.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) carries the ball after picking up a fumble in an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Houston. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson shown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball after an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Nashville, TN. The Titans won 34-10. (Paul Abell via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs with a punt return in action against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans won, 28-14. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) plays against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in action during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Ravens defeated the Titans, 21-0. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in action against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) during an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, on the ground, in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs the ball, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) takes a kick-off against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs back a kick-off against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans' kick returner Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks a tackle by Houston Texans' Brian Peters (52) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' Adoree' Jackson runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans kick returner Adoree' Jackson runs back a kick against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a punt during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against Kansas City Chiefs, in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) is tackled by the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans' Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a kickoff during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans' Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a kickoff during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) stiff arms Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) on a kick return during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has the ball stripped away by Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) after making a catch during an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) lines up against Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Kick returner Adoree' Jackson (25) plays against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) sets up for a play during the first half an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a punt past Jacksonville Jaguars punter Brad Nortman (3) for 46 yards during the second half an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 37-16. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs past Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Thompson (14) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Tennessee Titans Adoree' Jackson (25) plays in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans rookie cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) chases the action during the 2017 NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 23-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson (25) drops into coverage in action against the Houston Texans Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee. Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson (25) is shown during player introductions before the game against the Houston Texans Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in coverage during a week 6 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee won 36-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) looks on during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Houston. (NFL Photos via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Houston. (NFL Photos via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in coverage during an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans corner back Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a punt past Jacksonville Jaguars punter Brad Nortman (3) for 46 yards during the second half an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Adoree' Jackson runs with a kickoff return in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL AFC Wildcard football game on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won, 22-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) returns a kickoff during the AFC divisional round game against the New England Patriots Saturday January 13, 2018 in Foxboro, Mass. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans rookie cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) beams a wide smile as he waves his arms and comes onto the field during pregame player introductions before the 2017 NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 23-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26), Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans rookie defensive back Adoree Jackson (25) pursues the ball carrier during the NFL AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Kansas City. The Titans won the game 22-21. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the football during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 40-17. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs with the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
As we all know, it is a big week for the Giants and the entire league with the 2021 NFL Draft finally here.
Jackson did not have to wait long to hear his name called in 2017, as the Titans made him the 18th overall selection. He was coming off a season in which he earned several prestigious accolades, including Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back.
Despite his draft status, Jackson was fully aware that the hard work was only beginning for him. And with a new crop of rookies set to join the Giants over the next couple of days, the veteran corner had some simple advice for the soon-to-be newest members of the team - enjoy draft night, get ready to work, and keep doing whatever it is that got you to the NFL in the first place.
"For future Giants, wherever you get drafted, whether it's the first round or the last round, just come in ready to work," Jackson explained. "Have fun and compete. When your name is called, just enjoy the moment as much as possible. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
"Keep doing what got you here to this point. Don't change, don't waiver. Understand that the things you've done were good enough to get you here, so keep doing that and just add on to it as you come along. I'm excited for the new teammates and to be able to see them when we're able to get back out there."
View photos of the New York Giants' active 53-man roster as it currently stands.
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
CB James Bradberry
G Ben Bredeson
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Lorenzo Carter
WR Pharoh Cooper
DB Keon Crossen
LB Tae Crowder
OT Korey Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
TE Evan Engram
QB Jake Fromm
K Graham Gano
FB Cullen Gillaspia
QB Mike Glennon
WR Kenny Golladay
G Will Hernandez
DT Austin Johnson
WR Collin Johnson
DL Raymond Johnson III
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
DB Julian Love
G Wes Martin
LB Benardrick McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
TE Chris Myarick
LB Azeez Ojulari
DB Steven Parker
OT Matt Peart
FB Elijhaa Penny
C Billy Price
LB Reggie Ragland
DB J.R. Reed
LB Quincy Roche
TE Kyle Rudolph
DB Logan Ryan
DT Danny Shelton
WR Sterling Shepard
OL Matt Skura
WR Darius Slayton
LB Elerson G. Smith
OT Nate Solder
OT Andrew Thomas
DT Leonard Williams
Expansive draft coverage on Giants digital platforms
