The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson:
What he can do
– Can really move his feet and mirror rushes. Doesn’t often get beat to the outside shoulder by speed. Athleticism is a plus attribute
– Tons of experience getting depth into NFL-style pass sets. Looks so comfortable kick stepping into protection
– Not only athletic, but long. Stands 6-5, with arms measuring over 34″. Weighs 322 but looks like he could comfortably handle 5-10 more pounds
– Two-year starter at left tackle for USC. Allowed six total sacks over roughly 1,000 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF
– Experienced getting out into space to lead block and moving into the second level in the run game. Looks great on the move
– Hands are a major work in progress. When he loses, it’s almost always due to getting beat by a rusher with better hand technique. No power or plan in his strike. Better edge rushers (see: Utah’s Bradlee Anae) often swatted his hands away to gain leverage
– Improving overall technique will be critical to achieving his max potential. Has size, athleticism and movement ability of an upper-tier offensive tackle
– Can match power with power. Sturdy base can handle bull rushes. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa rarely moved him with power. Jackson did 27 reps at the combine
– Effective getting into position and walling off running lanes for screens and zone runs
– So young. Doesn’t turn 21 until May. Tons of time to grow into his frame and develop necessary technique, but will likely need time
– Played for former Packers quarterback Graham Harrell, now the offensive coordinator at USC
– His grandfather, Melvin Jackson, was drafted by the Packers and played five years in Green Bay (1976-80)
How he fits
Jackson is the definition of a high upside developmental offensive tackle prospect. The Packers need one, regardless of whether they re-sign Bryan Bulaga or Jared Veldheer to play right tackle in 2020. It’s not difficult to envision the Packers bringing back a stop-gap option like Veldheer, drafting Jackson high and giving the youngster a chance to develop behind a veteran for a year. He has all the traits of an elite offensive tackle but will need time to refine his technique, improve his hands in pass pro and get a little stronger. Draft him in 2020, but plan to start him in 2021.
NFL comp
Jackson has comparable size to Packers offensive lineman Billy Turner, but with shades of Eric Fisher’s playstyle. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared him to D.J. Humphries, the 24th overall pick in the 2015 draft.
Where Packers could get him
Even in a deep class of offensive tackles, Jackson has the profile of a top-40 pick. It’s conceivable he could be gone by 30 or still around in the early part of the second round. There’s a good chance Jackson will be in the mix if he’s still available at the end of the first round. A trade up from 62 makes a lot of sense if he falls into the middle part of the second round.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
WR Laviska Shenault