Chad

Jackson

Jackson officially cleared waivers on Monday and is an unrestricted free agent. He is the type of size/speed reclamation project that Al Davis loves.

This is Jackson’s third known tryout. The Raiders already chose Ashley Lelie over him and the Bengals passed on the former second-round pick Tuesday.

The Bills were Jackson’s most recent NFL stop, but he’s actually coming off a stint with the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. Notorious for shining in practice but shrinking in games, Jackson is facing long odds to crack the Raiders roster.

Jackson has practiced fully once the entire camp. He’s hurting his ability to jump into the Patriots rotation of receivers, much less the starting lineup.

The second-rounder is likely no better than fourth on the depth chart at this point. Other notable inactives include TE Daniel Graham, DE Richard Seymour, LB Tedy Bruschi, and WR Deion Branch (holdout).

Regardless of how the depth chart looks when the season starts, we suspect these three Patriots will split catches behind Deion Branch, assuming Branch returns. Consistency is unlikely from the second-round pick.

The second-round pick was the talk of the spring. He’ll compete with Reche Caldwell to start in training camp.

He shouldn’t be owned in re-draft leagues. LB Tedy Bruschi (wrist) and T Nick Kaczur (shoulder) are also questionable to play.

In other words, Jackson is competing to be Lee Evans’ backup and isn’t in the mix to line up across from Buffalo’s No. 1 receiver. Even if Jackson makes the team, he’d only see significant snaps if Evans went down.

Jackson has reportedly, “progressed extremely well physically.” Considering the team’s offseason additions, he will have a hard time getting on the field early this year and the Patriots may still consider stashing him on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform list to start the year.