GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers prioritized the secondary first in the NFL draft. Josh Jackson is joining a revamped cornerback group after the Packers took the Iowa junior with the 45th overall pick in the second round on Friday night. Jackson led the nation with eight interceptions last season.

At 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, the Packers like Jackson’s physical ability. He turned into a ball-hawk in his only year as starter in college. Jackson made an impression in Wisconsin after returning two interceptions for touchdowns in Iowa’s loss to the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium in November. On the season, Jackson had 18 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal.

“A whole bunch of film study, a whole bunch of hard work and just preparing yourself for your opponent,” Jackson said about his prolific production. His football instincts make up for any perceived lack of speed, Dotson said. Jackson was timed at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. “It goes back to his awareness and IQ for the game,” Dotson said. “The speed never really worried us because he’s just so smart and he’s always in the right position to play the ball.”

Jackson said he was hoping to get drafted by the Packers “because I just feel like they need some corners,” This was the team I was kind of hoping I went to. I’m just glad they picked me.”