Scouting Profile: Donovan Jackson - IOL - Ohio State
Sales Pitch: Physical downhill mauler w/ experience at OT and OG. Athletic ability limits his upside but should be a quality starter in a gap scheme.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Donovan Jackson is a former 5-Star recruit, and the #1 overall OG in the class of 2021, from Texas. He was a 40 game starter for the Buckeyes, with 31 straight coming at guard, before switching to LT in 2024 due to an injury. A 3x All-Big 10 honoree with All-American honors in 2024 for his efforts at LT and LG, Jackson is a selfless teammate who filled a difficult role to help his team reach and win a National Title.
Jackson is a big powerful lineman with a wide frame and good length for the position. His mental toughness was on full display in 2024, manning two positions with very little drop off in play. He has the downhill demeanor that fits perfectly in a gap run scheme. Jackson has solid burst out of his stance as a run blocker, and gets all of his 315 pounds behind him to create push at the point of attack. His long arms and big hands are quick to attach and control defenders steering them out of the hole. He is excellent on vertical double teams, hitting the first target with pop before quickly climbing and scanning for the 2nd level linebacker. Jackson displays an excellent anchor in pass protection with the flexibility and pad level to drop his weight and hold his ground. His thick broad chest is difficult for rushers to go through or around. While not the quickest player, Jackson’s first step and powerful hands are able to disrupt rushers out of their stance. Even when beat up the field he is able to use his length to ride rushers up the field past the pocket.
Jackson’s game is predicated more on power than it is finesse. A bigger player, he displays below average quickness and change of direction skills. Jackson does not project well to zone running schemes, because he lacks the play speed to get out in space and cut off 2nd level defenders. Despite a good first step, his foot quickness prevents him from getting all the way around and sealing zone blocks. Jackson gets good push at the point of attack, but can struggle to sustain his efforts. He gets a narrow base and out over his feet while driving, and can easily be ripped off balance. Jackson is overly aggressive in pass protection and gets caught bending at the waist and out of position far too often. He has below average redirect skills to quickly adjust and close down gaps, and he is typically a tick late to pick up loopers on stunts and twists as well.
Jackson profiles as starting guard in a gap scheme. His size, toughness and play strength are plus NFL traits and should translate right away. Jackson projects as a Day-2 pick for a team looking for a downhill mauling guard to improve their run game.