Donovan Jackson NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report G Ohio State
Donovan Jackson NFL Draft 2025 stock is rising. Jackson is one of the more promising offensive linemen in this talented 2025 NFL Draft class. Continue reading to learn all about his strengths and weaknesses in this NFL Draft scouting report. Additionally, you can find out where we have him projected to go in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Donovan Jackson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Donovan Jackson is a talented offensive guard prospect from Ohio State with a blend of physical traits, technique, and football IQ, making him a promising player at the next level.
Known for his solid build and impressive power at the point of attack, Jackson has proven to be an effective blocker in both the run and pass game. However, like all prospects, he has areas that require refinement. Below is an in-depth look at his strengths and current flaws, providing a comprehensive overview of his potential and what he can bring to an NFL team.
HT: 6035
WT: 315
HAND: 978
ARM: 3348
40: 5.12
Strengths
- Play Strength: Jackson’s muscular build translates to consistent power at the point of attack. He excels in vertical displacement, driving defenders off the ball on double-teams and down blocks with a low pad level and tight elbows.
- Pass Protection: Displays a sturdy anchor against bull rushes, using a wide base and strong grip to stall interior rushers. Quick hand placement and a firm punch allow him to control reps early. Showed adaptability at tackle, holding up against edge speed with decent footwork and length.
- Football IQ: Assignment-sound with a clear understanding of combo blocks and zone principles. He tracks second-level defenders well in the run game and adjusts to stunts in pass protection, rarely caught out of position.
- Versatility: He proved he can kick outside in a pinch, performing admirably at left tackle against high-level competition (e.g., Penn State’s Abdul Carter). He offers roster flexibility, though his best fit remains inside.
- Finisher’s Mentality: He plays through the whistle with a physical edge, seeking to bury defenders when he gains the upper hand. Competitive toughness shines in short-yardage situations.
Areas for Improvement
- Lateral Agility: While functional, Jackson lacks elite quickness to mirror twitchy interior rushers or recover when beaten off the snap. Hip stiffness can show up when redirecting against counters.
- Hand Technique Consistency: Punch timing and placement can waver, especially against savvy technicians who attack his frame. He occasionally allows defenders into his chest when his hands drift wide.
- Waist Bending: Tends to lean forward or bend at the waist rather than the knees, compromising leverage and balance. This flaw was more exposed at tackle than guard.
- Second-Level Blocking: Inconsistent in space; struggles to sustain blocks on linebackers when climbing on zone runs due to limited range and occasional misjudgment of angles.
- Positional Fit: Likely limited to guard in the NFL. Tackle experience boosts his value, but he lacks the elite foot speed and fluidity to play outside full-time against NFL edge rushers.
Conclusion
Jackson is a plug-and-play guard prospect with the size, strength, and experience to step into an NFL starting lineup as a rookie. His three-year starting tenure at Ohio State, combined with his late-season stint at tackle, highlights a high floor and a ceiling as a potential Pro Bowl-caliber interior lineman. He thrives in a phone booth, where his power and anchor ability shine, making him an ideal fit for gap-heavy or downhill-run schemes. While he’s not a dynamic athlete in space and needs to refine his hand usage, his physical tools and football character suggest a long, productive career ahead.
Jackson’s game mirrors that of Wyatt Teller, a standout guard who has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen since joining Cleveland in 2019. Like Teller, Jackson brings a blend of raw power, functional athleticism, and a mauler’s mentality, making him a tone-setter in the trenches. Both players share a thick, muscular build with above-average arm length for guards, allowing them to lock out defenders and control engagements.
Round Grade: 2nd Round
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