Chad Jackson Impressive in Passing Camp

Per reports in both the Boston Globe and Providence Journal Chad Jackson was looking "focused" today in the only day of media access at passing camp. In this interview with Chris Price he seems well aware that his time is now. It's already being overstated how big of a year this is for the third-year receiver out of Florida. The Patriots traded up to get him in the 2006 draft and despite a few flashes in his rookie season, 2007 was mostly a wash due to injuries and the immense depth at wide receiver.

Now Donte Stallworth is gone and the 4th receiver position is wide open for the taking. Not to mention if the unthinkable happened and one of the starting three receivers suffered an injury. Jackson looks the part of an elite NFL wide receiver. He has the size and the speed that could make him a potent option in the Pats passing attack. The biggest thing for Jackson is to stay healthy. He's dangerously close to being labelled "injury-prone" and he needs a year without any knee or hamstring issues to break the cycle. He's going to get his chance this season to contribute. He's had a couple years to learn the ropes, now it's time to "put up or shut up". He will be one of the main players to watch at Training Camp this July.