Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason streak continues today with a look at 13-year-old safety Kareem Jackson, No. 22.

Before the Broncos: Jackson (5-foot-10, 183 pounds) was a product of Nick Saban’s stifling defensive unit at the University of Alabama. Jackson helped the Crimson Tide win a national championship in 2009 before being selected 20th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Jackson started 124 of 132 games in nine years with the Texans. As a member of their defensive backfield, Jackson recorded 16 interceptions (second in Texas franchise history), 88 passes defensed (also second in Texas franchise history), six forced fumbles and 468 tackles in solo.

In 2019, as an unrestricted free agent, Jackson signed with the Denver Broncos.

Broncos Mandate: Jackson started 13 games in his first year as a Bronco, finishing with two interceptions and 10 passes defended. In Week 14 of 2019, Jackson was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, playing against the Texans. His stat line showed one interception, 11 tackles, a 70-yard fumble returned for a touchdown and three passes defended.

Jackson recorded career highs in tackles (89) and snaps (1,083) in 2020. In 2021, Jackson continued to excel, leading Denver with 88 tackles.

Odds of making the list of 53 players: Jackson and fellow safety Justin Simmons have provided much-needed stability and leadership to the Broncos defense, and Jackson is nearly locked in to making the 53-man roster in 2022.

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