To get a better look at the Detroit Lions third-round pick Jonah Jackson, let’s take a look at how draft analysts evaluated him in their 2020 NFL Draft guides and website profiles.
The Athletic
Evaluator: Dane Brugler’s “The Beast”
“A one-year starter at Ohio State, Jackson played left guard in head coach Ryan Day’s scheme. After only 11 wins over his four years at Rutgers, he became an integral part of Ohio State’s 13-win College Football Playoff team in 2019 after the Buckeyes lost four of their five offensive line starters from 2018. Jackson is a very stout blocker and wins with his natural size and energy, overwhelming defenders at the point of attack. His upper half is quicker than his lower half, however, which leads to balance and mechanical issues, especially in space. Overall, Jackson lacks ideal range and isn’t nearly as effective outside his square, but his natural size, strength and tenacity are NFL-quality traits, projecting as a future NFL starter in a power scheme.”
NFL.com
“Guard/center prospect whose run-blocking and pass protection tape are polar opposites. He’s not a natural bender and the hand placement is rough, making sustaining blocks a challenge. However, the narrow base as a drive blocker turns into a wide, balanced base in pass sets. He’s a terrific processor of twists and blitzes who expedites his process and finds his work. If a team can improve the hands and body control they might have something, but he’s more likely a backup option for teams targeting pass protection inside at guard or center.”
Pro Football Focus
“Jackson might not win any beauty contests with his play, but he’s one of our favorite guards in the class. The fact that he’s done it at both right and left guard in back-to-back seasons is also a huge plus in our eyes with how difficult that transition can be. Jackson’s calling card is his balance. His ability to get knocked to the side by defenders, stay on his feet, and re-engage the block is second to none in this class. He personifies the term ‘go down swinging’ as even when he does lose, he’s usually holding on for dear life and not letting his man off the block. Combine that with his grading profile and it’s easy to see why we’re high on him.”
The Draft Network
“Jonah Jackson projects as a viable NFL starter at the next level. Jackson, who transferred from Rutgers to spend his final college season in Columbus, has ample body control and strong cadence on the interior to set up clean framing of his blocks and was a consistent catalyst for big plays in the run game throughout the 2019 season. Jackson projects best to a zone scheme, given his lateral mobility and footwork — but he would be a viable option in a gap heavy scheme as well.”
Draft Wire
“Jackson provides flexibility at the NFL level that will make him an attractive option as general managers and front offices look to build their rosters. He can be an option at both guard and at center. A player who can fill the role of guard and center would allow teams to focus roster spots elsewhere with a player like Jackson.”