Weaknesses:
Summary: Florida State has spent the last few seasons with a much-hyped offensive line that has sent a number of blockers to the NFL. Jackson was part of a line that helped the Seminoles to make a run of 27-1 in 2013-2014, and that line did enough to support Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.
Jackson’s best play for the Seminoles was in 2013. The junior opened holes on the ground for Devonta Freeman and was generally reliable at protecting Jameis Winston. Jackson wasn’t as good in 2014 as he was a junior. Really, Jackson was a part of a disappointing season for the much-hyped Seminoles’ offensive line. He was fine in the ground game, but he didn’t impress in pass protection. At the Senior Bowl, Jackson had just an average week. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, and he didn’t impress in the pass-rushing one-on-ones.
Entering the NFL, Jackson’s run blocking is ahead of his pass blocking. He can get some movement at the point of attack and can power his way through defenders and push them out of their gap. Jackson also is able to fire to the second level. He is versatile enough to play in a zone or power-man scheme, but he probably would be a better fit in the latter.
Jackson has a lot of room for improvement in pass protection. In 2014, the senior allowed far too much pass pressure on Winston and Jackson struggled with speed rushers.
Jackson is a right guard for the NFL. He could develop into potential a solid starter. WalterFootball.com has heard from sources that Florida State’s Josue Matias and Alabama’s Arie Kouandjio are grading as the top guards (not including LSU left tackle La’el Collins) with Jackson grading as a mid- to late third-rounder who shouldn’t fall out of the fourth round.
Player Comparison: Chris Chester. Chester has been a solid, but unspectacular, guard during his NFL career. Chester (6-3, 303) and Jackson have a similar playing style except Jackson has a little more power, while Chester has a little more athleticism. Jackson could be an NFL guard who is comparable to Chester.
NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Cleveland, San Francisco, Kansas City, San Diego, Denver
There are a lot of teams that could consider guard help in the second day of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Bucs need a starter to pair with Logan Mankins, and Jackson could start for Tampa Bay quickly at right guard. Taking Jackson early in the third or fourth round could make sense for the Bucs.
The Jaguars could make sense for Jackson, too. Their offensive line was dreadful in 2014, so he could provide an improvement at guard. Zane Beadles and Brandon Linder were disappointments for Jacksonville.
The Giants are looking to improve their offensive line, and Jackson could be a fit for them in Round 3 or 4. He could be an upgrade over John Jerry and J.D. Walton. Taking Jackson would allow the team to move Weston Richburg to his natural position of center.
Cleveland could use more talent at right guard. Jackson could form a nice duo with Joel Bitonio for the Browns. The 49ers are probably losing Mike Iupati in free agency, and if they don’t like their in-house options like Brandon Thomas, they could consider Jackson.
The Chiefs, Chargers and Broncos also all need a lot of help on their offensive lines. All three organizations are in the position of needing interior help. Jackson could interest any of these AFC West teams.
RELATED LINKS:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
