By J.T.
Photo Credit- Sports Illustrated
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Ohio State, Guard, Donovan Jackson
Name- Donovan Jackson
Pos- Guard
Team- Ohio State
HT/WT- 6’4” 320 lbs
Born- N/A
Home – Bellaire, TX
Donovan Jackson played at Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas. He had a decorated high school career which saw him get invited to the Army All-American Bowl game. He was the #1 player in Texas and the #1 guard in the country. 247Sports rated him a five-star prospect and the #17 overall player coming out of high school. He selected Ohio State and became their highest rated offensive lineman in their 2021 recruiting class.
He earned his first varsity letter in 2021, playing in all 13 games for the Buckeyes. He played primarily as a rotational sub on their offensive line. Jackson started all 13 games in 2022 and helped the Ohio State offense rank No. 9 nationally in total offense (490.2) and No. 2 in scoring (44.2). He tied his teammates Paris Johnson, Jr. and Luke Wypler for most plays from scrimmage with 827. He was named first-team All-Big Ten after the season.
He enters 2023 as a Draft 412 preseason first-team All-American.
Jackson has a feel for straight ahead blocking and understands the techniques involved in combo blocking. He gets to the second level of the defense fluidly and is a guard who excels in pulling. He has aggressive hands and is agile, playing with a wide base and uses his reach to his advantage.
Jackson has an initial explosion that creates a strong point of attack. He uses his legs well to drive and make up for his lack of upper body strength. He understands his assignments and knows when to give protection to a teammate during a blitz.
On the downside Jackson is a much better run blocker than he is a pass blocker. He struggles at times with bullrushes and his first step is better forward than backwards. He lacks the elite upper body strength you expect from a first round pick and he has issues with his balance against stronger opponents. His mechanics on his footwork will need some work and pass blocking technique will need to be refined.
Jonah Jackson was a former 3rd round pick out of Ohio State and entered the NFL with the same skill set. He too was a top notch run blocker who struggled in the pass protection part of the game. Jonah Jackson has made a name for himself and is now a top 10 run blocker. Draft 412 thinks Donovan Jackson has a higher pedigree and a chance to surpass Jonah’s numbers early on.
Strengths
Run blocking
Athletic and flexible
Understands assignments
Initial explosion
Weaknesses
Mechanics/ footwork
Strength–Inconsistent
Pass blocking
Balance
Final Analysis
Donovan Jackson, with a little bit of work, can become a complete guard in the NFL. If he can get a little bit stronger and with better footwork, he can become a long term pro-bowl type player.
Draft 412 Draft Projection- Round 1 or early Round 2