NBC Sports writer Peter King has predicted that Green Bay Packers cornerback Josh Jackson will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award this season. In King's latest column he gave a detailed description of the desirables that make Jackson a top contender.

“I don’t think he’ll start on fire, but as the season wears on, he’s going to be the most reliable cornerback on a strong playoff contender. He never was the fastest cornerback at Iowa, but he was smart and instinctive, and he’ll be among the league leaders in interceptions,” said King.

Most of King's reasoning seems to be based on Jackson's stellar preseason performance. He was targeted 9 times and allowed two receptions for 14 yards. He didn't give up a score to any opposing team and also returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown in their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jackson's 93.8 rating for the preseason gave him the highest mark of any cornerback back, according to Pro Football Focus. Jackson, the No. 45 overall pick, should combine with fellow cornerback, return specialist and No. 18 overall pick Jaire Alexander out of Louisville to form an imposing new secondary for the Packers.

If Jackson does win DROY, it would only be the second time in history a Packers rookie has done so after cornerback Willie Buchanon claimed the award in 1972.

While King believes Jackson has the tools to be a star, he thinks the Packers will finish fifth in the NFC, behind the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. If Jackson pans out like King thinks he will, the Packers may have gotten the best steal of the 2018 NFL Draft.