COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jonah Jackson was not Ohio State football’s highest-profile transfer for 2019, or even its most important transfer on offense.
Yet the former Rutgers guard’s arrival was one of the most significant moments in the run to the College Football Playoff semifinals that followed.
Jackson aided his NFL Draft stock with that regular season performance, then enhanced it further with his effort at last month’s Reese’s Senior Bowl. Jackson turned heads with his effort and execution in the practices leading up to the games.
Previous draft breakdowns:
JONAH JACKSON
Position: Offensive guard
Career highlights: Jackson was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection and team captain for Rutgers in 2018. After transferring to Ohio State’s high-powered offense, he helped it thrive, earning first team All-Big Ten status from the coaches and second from the media.
Stats that matter: According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson finished 2019 with a pass-blocking grade of 77.8. He allowed one sack (the first of his career) and nine quarterback hurries on 460 pass-blocking snaps.
As of Dec. 2, 2019, when PFF announced its All-Big Ten team, it also credited Jackson with a pass-blocking grade of 78.8.
Strengths: Jackson plays with the polished technique one would expect from a veteran. He was an All-Big Ten-caliber player on either side of the center over the course of his career and even played some center at Rutgers. Versatility is always a benefit for making a roster.
Jackson arrived at Ohio State with a strong reputation for pass blocking. He helped his reputation by asserting himself in the run game, delivering big second-level hits. Jackson’s teammates also spoke highly of his character and leadership in the position room despite his newcomer status.
Weaknesses: Jackson impresses with his results more than with style points. Perhaps not as powerful as some of the other upper-echelon guards.
What scouting sites are saying: “We are always going to love some pass protectors, and Jackson is as advanced in pass pro as any interior lineman in this class,” Michael Renner wrote for PFF. “Even when he does allow pressure, Jackson is almost always still holding on for dear life and riding guys past the pocket. His hand usage is exceptional, and he plays with a balance unmatched in the draft class.”
The Draft Network called Jackson “a tank and a half” after his Senior Bowl practice performances. “One of the most fun players to watch in the one-on-one and drill sessions, Jackson regularly wrenched open gaps for his running backs across the course of the day; utilizing some excellent phone booth power and intentional footwork to generate and finish his angles.”
Teams with need at that position: Expect Cincinnati to look for more protection for presumptive No. 1 pick Joe Burrow. Miami, which graded out among the worst offensive lines in both pass and run blocking per PFF, needs help everywhere. The Bears, Falcons, Jets, Rams and Steelers are among the teams specifically in need of better interior offensive line play.
Projected round: Continued strong testing could push Jackson into the mid-third round, perhaps to the Rams at No. 84. Otherwise he increasingly looks like a safe fourth-round option.
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