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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Donovan Jackson
Photo: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Donovan Jackson

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Quinten Krzysko  |  Last updated Jan 13, 2025 2:06 PM ET

Donovan Jackson NFL Draft Profile

  • College: Ohio State
  • College Position: LG, LT, RG
  • Ideal NFL Position: OG
  • Height/Weight: 6’4", 320 pounds
  • Year / Age: Senior / 22
  • Draft Projection: 3rd Round
  • Where I’d Take Him: Top 75

Background:

Coming out of high school in Bellaire (Texas), Donovan Jackson was a five-star recruit and the country's #1 interior offensive lineman (per 24/7). Before committing to Ohio State, he held offers from various Power 5 programs, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas.

Jackson was named a first-team All-Big Ten each of the last three seasons. Additionally, he was named first-team All-American in 2024. Jackson started 39 of his 49 games at Ohio State before the National Championship.

According to PFF, Jackson allowed 19 pressures and two sacks across 395 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 while splitting snaps between left tackle and left guard. The prior season, he allowed 10 pressures and one sack on 443 pass-blocking snaps, all of which came at left guard.

Amongst 400 FBS offensive tackles and guards to play at least 400 snaps in 2024, Jackson had the 79th-best overall PFF grade, the 142nd-best run-blocking grade, and the 279th-best pass-blocking grade. However, his PFF grades took a hit when he switched from left guard to left tackle mid-season.

Strengths:

  • Three-year starter
  • Team player who switched to left tackle mid-season in 2024 after starting exclusively at left guard the previous two seasons.
  • Looks the part with the ideal build, good play strength, and smooth athleticism.
  • He consistently plays long with a quick, accurate punch.
  • Possesses a solid anchor with sufficient stopping power.
  • Maintains a good, wide base and stays ready for stunts.
  • Enough athleticism and length to play OT in a pinch.
  • Power to displace college defensive tackles.
  • Power is more evident when asked to get downhill.

Weaknesses:

  • His punch lacks pop; he has plenty of strength but is not a consistently imposing player.
  • He does not flash as many dominant reps on tape as expected.
  • Footspeed, balance, and ability to recover get exposed at OT.
  • Occasionally gets hyper-focused on unusual fronts and forgets to help.
  • Poor footwork makes him seem uncoordinated as a run blocker, especially in zone blocks when asked to climb to the 2nd level.

Final Thoughts & Bears Fit for Donovan Jackson:

Jackson is a sound football player who lacks flash but makes up for it with dull but quality blocking. His tape doesn't show many snatch traps or dominant reps, but he limits the negatives well and has the power to control opponents.

Jackson needs to improve his footwork and processing, but he has improved yearly at Ohio State and should continue to grow at the NFL level. Jackson should eventually be a good starter in the NFL. He has the tools to be a day-one starter but could benefit from some time on the bench to continue fine-tuning his approach.

Jackson should be in play for the Bears anywhere from mid-second to third rounds, depending on how quickly offensive guards come off the board. The Bears need starters and depth on their interior offensive line, and Jacksons pedigree and versatility would be a valuable addition. Jackson has a scheme-versatile skillset that should hold value for whatever offense the Bears run in 2025.

Pro Comp: Laken Tomlinson

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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