as the only Maryland players to lead the team in tackles three consecutive seasons. Professional career Jackson was the second highest-rated inside linebacker according to SI′s Tony Pauline, but some were scared off by his slow 40-yard dash. Also, at 6 foot and 228 pounds, he was deemed "more suited for a Cover 2 defensive scheme" and considered as a possible weak-side linebacker. NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock projected Jackson to be a late first round pick. Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns selected Jackson in the second round (34th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Browns traded center Jeff Faine and their second round pick (43rd overall) to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for their second round pick (34th overall) that was used to draft Jackson. Jackson was the seventh linebacker drafted in 2006. On July 23, 2006, the Cleveland Browns signed Jackson to a four-year, $3.69 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.90 million. He entered training camp slated as a starting inside linebacker. Head coach Romeo Crennel named Jackson and Andra Davis the starting inside linebackers to start the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinest. In his rookie season, he started thirteen games at weakside linebacker and finished third on the team in tackles with 93, including 60 solo and three tackles for a loss. Jackson posted a career-high 16 tackles at Carolina on October 8, 2006, and matched the total vs. Cincinnati on November 26, 2006. Playing inside linebacker in his third season with the Browns, Jackson led the NFL in tackles with 154. Jackson changed his jersey number from No. 58 to No. 52 after it became available in 2008. He had previously worn No. 52 in college, but was unable to wear it during his first two seasons as it was worn by Matt Stewart. Jackson's 2009 season was cut short after he was injured in the sixth game of the season against Pittsburgh. Jackson had a team high 57 tackles when he hurt his shoulder. Browns' coach Eric Mangini said of Jackson at the time, "It’s disappointing any time you lose a player for the season, and this is especially true with someone like D’Qwell, who has proven to be an outstanding leader for us both on and off the field." On March 5, 2010, the Cleveland Browns extended a one-year restricted free agent tender to