2025 NFL Scouting Report: Donovan Jackson

Prospect Summary:

Over the past three seasons, Jackson has been a very productive and reliable guard for the Buckeyes. After proving himself to be a good pro prospect, Jackson showed even more ability as a senior when he became the emergency starter at left tackle midway through the season. Jackson competed hard and played well at left tackle to help Ohio State win the National Championship.

Jackson was a solid and reliable pass protector at Ohio State. He has strong hands that rock defenders and often knock them off balance to slow them down. Those strong hands also help him to sustain blocks, and Jackson shows an exceptional ability to sustain. He has a developed upper body, and once Jackson latches on, defenders can struggle to break free. With good size and strength, Jackson can stop bullrushes with an advanced ability to anchor. In 2024, Jackson got some good experience blocking on the edge, and as a pro, he should be an asset as an interior pass blocker.

Jackson was a productive run blocker for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes had a lot of success running behind him. He is powerful at the point of attack with strong hands to rock back defenders. With his thick build and upper body, Jackson can drive block and get a push at the point of attack. Jackson is nasty, and he plays with physical style and demeanor. With his strength, Jackson sustains his blocks well, and he looks to finish off defenders. There are plays where Jackson can be a dominant bull that blasts open running lanes. Jackson also shows the quickness to fire to the second level or get downfield on screens. He is agile and athletic enough to hit blocks in space, so Jackson could fit in a zone blocking or power man scheme.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Jackson looks likely to be selected in the second round with a shot at sneaking into the end of the first round. As long as he stays healthy, Jackson could have a good and long career as a starting guard with Pro Bowl potential.