Round 2, Pick 45

Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Height: 6-3

Weight: 306

Class: RS Senior

D.O.B.: N/A

Statistical Profile: After starting 16 games at Rutgers at right guard and center, Jackson graduated and transferred to Ohio State, where he had his best season yet at left guard for the Buckeyes.

Scouting Jackson: Jackson’s strength and weaknesses aren’t difficult to figure out, and at his age they are probably unlikely to change much at the next level. An average athlete for the position, Jackson may always struggle against the quick-twitch defensive tackles that can cross his face in the run game, but in pass protection his technique and posture are so consistent that he’s hard to beat, even if you can out-athlete him.

Jackson just builds his house the same way on every rep: quick out of his stance, strong, even base, patient hands kept tight inside to protect his chest. Every punch lands inside, every attempt to work to his edge is countered with a hand to the hip to stay connected laterally, every bull rush anchored off. He’s also outstanding against twists and delayed blitzes, demonstrating the awareness and technique to handle games at a pro level.

Do I worry what it’ll be like when Jackson faces legit interior pass rushers given his lateral stiffness and lack of overwhelming power? Sure, a little bit. But his ability to win reps in pass protection even when things start ugly has set him apart in college. Jackson doesn’t have the traits to be a lock-down pass protector on an island in the NFL, but I’ll be shocked if he isn’t at least good at it, and that should be more than enough to land him in the top 40 at his position on a consistent basis. There’s a lot of average-to-below average guards starting in the NFL, and Jackson has abilities in the most important responsibility for his position that should easily put him above that group.

Where Jackson is more limited is in the run game, where he simply does not move defenders off the ball with ease, and often falls off of blocks trying to control them. Jackson is a lean-on, get-in-the-way, hang-on-for-dear-life run blocker, but rarely do you feel like he’s in complete control of one-on-one exchanges, in vertical blocking schemes or zone schemes.

More explosive defenders beat Jackson through gaps and blow through his hands easier than they should. Run-stuffing defensive tackles may not dominate him at the point-of-attack, but he struggles to create much movement either. Doesn’t have the power or natural leverage to his game. He also struggles to square up targets at the second level, and gets played through and around far too often by linebackers.

Jackson’s good at adapting and latching onto moving defenders and staying on them to guide them where they are already going, not allowing them to counter back into the play, but the value for that ability at the next level is minimal at best. I think Jackson is savvy enough to get by in the run game and good enough to be a desirable starter in pass protection, as long as everyone understands the limitations are real and you’re getting what you pay for in Round 2-3.

Bucs Fit: Jackson’s fit in Tampa Bay would actually be a good one, as he has played both left and right guard in the past, and would function best for a pass-heavy team in the NFL. The Rutgers transfer would likely be an upgrade over Alex Cappa right away, but may not possess the nastiness and power the Bucs seem to be attempting to add to their offensive front.

Tampa Bay could have two cracks at Jackson at No. 45 or No. 76, but I’m not sure if he’ll be atop their rankings or not. I’m more on board with the value in Round 3 than Round 2, although in this interior offensive line class, the price may go up for any level of talent.