Pats Cut Chad Jackson, UF WRs Continue Legacy of Not Being Very Good in NFL

It's an old story by now: two years ago, then-Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson had a jaw-dropping NFL combine. He busted out a 4.3-something 40, smoothly ran routes and snagged passes, and he subsequently saw his stock go through the roof.

In the days and weeks leading up to the draft, he, along with Santonio Holmes, were the two highest-rated wideouts and thought to be first-round picks. As it turned out, only Holmes went in Round 1, but the Patriots traded up in the second round to grab Jackson, who was supposed to replace Deion Branch.

Didn't come close to working out that way; he caught just 13 passes for 152 yards his rookie season, and played in just two games last season without registering a reception. There was speculation that this could be Jackson's make-or-break year, and according to the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss, the verdict's in: break.

In a surprising move, the Patriots informed wide receiver Chad Jackson this morning that they are cutting him from the roster, according to a league source.

Jackson, the team's second-round draft choice in 2006, entered training camp in a battle for the No. 3 job previously occupied by Donte' Stallworth. He also took repetitions as a punt returner.

With Jabar Gaffney seizing the role of No. 3 receiver, and receiver/returner C.J. Jones making the 53-man roster, Jackson was apparently deemed expendable.

And so continues the streak of University of Florida wideouts taken early in the draft who don't pan out. Chad Jackson, please meet Taylor Jacobs, Reche Caldwell, Travis Taylor and Jacquez Green. Welcome to the club, sir.

Jackson will probably find a home -- he's got plenty of upside and, frankly, if Matt Jones and Troy Williamson are still in the league (on the same team, no less!), there's certainly room on an NFL roster for Jackson. Just not New England's.