The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Donovan Jackson NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Interior Offensive Lineman
School: Ohio State
Size: 6-foot-4, 315 pounds
Class: Senior
2024 stats: First Team All-American (USA Today)
Jackson was a five-star prospect in the class of 2021 who signed with Ohio State out of Texas. He played some in 2021, but then jumped into the starting lineup in 2022. Jackson was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection and helped Ohio State win 11 games. In 2023, he was a First Team All-Big Ten member and helped the team win 11 games again. He decided to return for the 2024 season and was named a First Team All-American by some publications. Jackson led the Buckeyes to a national championship, playing both guard and tackle for the team during the season.
Following the season, Jackson has been preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Jackson has solid size for an offensive guard in the NFL. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, which gives him good play strength as well. With his size and strength comes good length at 33.5-inch arms. Jackson uses his length and strength to control his matchups and sustain blocked for longer periods of time.
Especially for his size, Jackson has good athleticism. He gets a good jump at the snap of the ball, which gives him a leg up on his opponent to start the rep. Jackson can get to the second level on run plays well and can get out wide on screens and pulls. He can mirror pass rushers decently as well.
There was a strength that presented itself late in Jackson’s career. When the team suffered injuries, Jackson moved out to left tackle and played well. Some teams may see some value to him at tackle. He will likely start his career as a guard, but could move to tackle if a team gets desperate, like Ohio State. His ability to hold up at tackle helped his stock.
Jackson could do better at seeing pressure more clearly. He doesn’t always see stunts and twists, or blitzes for that matter, coming quick enough to react to it. Jackson can work on seeing things quicker and then can react better when he sees pressure coming in the future.
His hand placement and timing can improve. Jackson has strong hands, but can miss his spots with them, making them less effective. He needs to keep his hands inside, as he sometimes gets his hands too far wide. Jackson can also have quicker hands as well to help win more of his matchups.
During his time at tackle and at guard, Jackson showed some issues with speed rushers. He lacks flexibility and athletic edge rushers who could bend around the edge got the better of him. Playing at guard will help, but he needs to make sure his technique is sound because he doesn’t have the same athleticism to match all pass rushers.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Pick
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