Multiple undrafted former Iowa Football players have shown out this summer, including linebacker Nick Jackson.
Jackson had an extremely productive college career with Virginia and Iowa, accumulating 553 total tackles (258 solo, 295 assisted), 17 passes defended, 17 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception in six seasons (four with Virginia, two with Iowa).
Even after a productive, albeit long, college career, Jackson went undrafted, but was quickly picked up by Tampa Bay after signing a free agent deal.
Jackson, along with fellow undrafted linebacker Jay Higgins, has turned heads this offseason with their strong play. They have proven that teams should not sleep on Iowa players regardless of what pre-draft measurements say.
Jackson wrapped up the Tampa Bay preseason with another solid performance in a Bucs' loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Jackson tallied six total tackles (five solo, one assisted) in the final game of the preseason, which was tied for second on the defense with another former Hawkeye, Kaevon Merriweather.
He finished the preseason with 15 total tackles (14 solo, one assisted), two sacks, and one interception.
Jackson's one interception that came during week one of the preseason tied his career total in college.
As an undrafted free agent, Jackson is just trying to have fun and has enjoyed his time with the Bucs during the preseason.
He credited his teammates for helping him and his coaches for giving him the freedom to do the things he excels at.
NFL cut day is next week, but Jackson's strong play has him in solid contention for a spot on the Bucs' 53-man roster.