Bulkier Drake Jackson ready to attack 2023 with 49ers

When Drake Jackson stepped up to the podium after Wednesday’s practice, there was something different about the San Francisco 49ers’ second-year defensive end. He was bulkier, thanks to a lot of offseason work.

“Drake has been here all summer, working out—all spring, rather—doing the things that he needs to do to improve his game,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said earlier this month. “He’s gained a lot of weight. He’s in there with [defensive line coach Kris] Kocurek, and I’m just excited to see exactly what he’s going to do and how he’s going to progress in his second year.”

What are Jackson’s expectations for his sophomore campaign?

“Just go out and play and just make something happen,” the defensive lineman told reporters. “Help the team as much as I can. And that’s just coming in each and every day with a focused mindset and just doing what our coach tells us to do, stacking a day, and whatever happens, happens.”

Jackson broke down his offseason efforts and what changes he had to implement to improve his chances of NFL success.

“Really, just focusing in on my body, just lifting, trying to get big, and focusing on my mental as well because I know last year, everything’s kind of like a blur for me,” Jackson said. “So just really settling down and being key to all my details and things of that sort.”

Jackson said he fell in love with being at the 49ers facility for countless hours. He worked hard to put on the muscle, something he wasn’t as dedicated to last season. Jackson confirmed that he’d gained about 13 pounds since last season, hoping it will add more power to his pass-rushing skills.

“I’ve been working, and I’m still going,” Jackson said.