Tag: Donovan Jackson

Rams go sensible route in 1st round of NFL.com’s latest mock draft

Rather than going with a flashy pick in Round 1, the Rams play it safe and take a player who could be their future left tackle

With needs at wide receiver, tight end and quarterback, the Los Angeles Rams could be enticed to make a flashy pick in the first round of the draft this year. It’d be hard to blame them for picking a guy at any of those positions, but offensive tackle could certainly use some attention early in the draft – particularly if Alaric Jackson leaves in free agency.

Eric Edholm of NFL.com has the Rams going the sensible route in the first round, addressing their need at left tackle by selecting Ohio State national champion Donovan Jackson at No. 26 overall.

Jackson moved from left guard to tackle to help the Buckeyes win a title and played well on an island protecting Will Howard, leading Edholm to believe he can be an NFL left tackle.

Jackson goes three picks after the injured teammate (Josh Simmons) he replaced so ably during Ohio State’s national championship run, moving from left guard to left tackle when the Buckeyes needed help on the blind edge. He’s a multi-positional blocker who deserves a shot at playing OT in the NFL at some point.

Jackson was primarily a guard in college and that’s likely where some teams will project him to play at the next level, especially given his 6-foot-4 frame. He doesn’t necessarily have the length of a prototypical tackle but he played well enough down the stretch to earn an opportunity to line up there in the NFL.

The Rams typically like taller, longer left tackles – Andrew Whitworth is 6-7 and Joe Noteboom is 6-5 – but they could break that mold for a player with a championship pedigree like Jackson.

Dolphins’ top 2025 draft prospects: Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson

Versatile lineman Donovan Jackson could be a perfect fit with the Dolphins.

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson should easily be a top 50 prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. While guard is his natural position and his best fit in the pros, Jackson helped the Buckeyes in a pinch at left tackle this season when fellow 2025 prospect Josh Simmons dealt with injury.

Jackson, who allowed just two sacks in 2024, played left guard for two years prior his final year at Ohio State as well as the first five games before kicking out to left tackle. He’s an extremely athletic and powerful lineman whose seamless switch to tackle showed his football intelligence and ability to adapt. His versatility, power, and smarts make him a player to watch heading into the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Position: G/T
Projected round: 1st-2nd
Height: 6’4
Weight: 320

Fit for Miami

Should Miami be lucky enough to see Jackson on the board at No. 48 overall, he could be an immediate starter at left guard. The Dolphins have several offensive linemen set to hit free agency, including three guards: Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, and Isaiah Wynn.

Jackson could be a fine interior pass-protector and instill a power-mindset in the running game.

Not only would Jackson be an investment in the line, but it could signala shift in ideology. His strength and powerful run blocking could be what Miami has been missing in short-yardage situations when they need conversions most.

Bottom line

Jackson has climbed to the late first round in recent mock drafts, which could put him out of the Dolphins’ reach. Miami is set to pick No. 13 overall in the first round, which could be called a bit too early for a guard. But Jackson could be gone by the time the Dolphins pick again at No. 48 overall.

If Grier elects to trade back, Jackson could be a fine pick in the latter half of the first round. If Grier goes another direction than the offensive line with his first selection, trading up to get Jackson early in the second round could also be a prudent move.

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Seahawks trade back, land instant starter in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks trade back, land instant starter in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Seattle Seahawks own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider possesses several pathways with that pick. Schneider could draft an offensive player, particularly a linemen, trade down, or select another defensive contributor.

The Draft Network recently released their latest mock draft. In that projection, Jaime Eisner has the Seahawks completing a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. In return for Seattle’s 16th overall selection, the Seahawks acquire No. 28 overall and a 2026 second-round pick. The Vikings trade up for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in this scenario. That could interest Schneider, since he definitely won’t be drafting a running back.

The Sehahawks selected Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman, Ohio State.

“This would be a huge win for the Seahawks,” Eisner wrote. “They shore up an offensive line spot with one of the best interior offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft and pick up a high pick for next year’s draft. Donovan Jackson is a plug-and-play starter at left guard and a true first-round talent.”

The Seahawks desperately need to improve their offensive line this offseason and drafting Jackson would go a long way towards achieving that goal. Jackson, a natural guard, is playing tackle for the Buckeyes out of necessity during the College Football Playoff. Jackson has been a shutdown tackle in recent weeks, proving he possesses true positional versatility.

Jackson would be plug-and-play for the Seahawks in 2025, at either guard position, or at right tackle if Abe Lucas continues struggling with injury. Drafting Jackson after trading down to acquire more picks would be a home-run for Schneider.

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Three Ohio State players make USA TODAY first team All-American

Three on the first team! #GoBucks

It’s that time of year when some of the postseason awards start to trickle out, and we have one such instance with the announcement of the USA TODAY All-American teams Thursday.

Usually, if there’s an All-American team in football, there is a decent amount of Scarlet and Gray associated with it, and that’s also the case with this one, with three Ohio State players making the first team. You can probably venture a guess which players got the honor, but just in case, we’re here to inform you, because — well, that’s what we do.

In one case, we’re talking about a freshman, so make note of that (and yeah, you know who it is). OSU did not have a player appearing on the second team.

Offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, Safety Caleb Downs, and freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith were all honored as USA TODAY first team All-Americans with the reveal on Thursday.

Jackson, a senior, has been the anchor of the offensive line, even moving positions when the team lost left tackle, Josh Simmons, for the season. He’s been the Buckeyes best lineman and has a good chance of being an early round NFL draft pick in April.

Downs was great at Alabama, and has lived up to the billing after transferring to Ohio State. He hasn’t amassed as many tackles in Columbus as he did his freshman year in Tuscaloosa, but that’s been more a byproduct of how the Buckeyes use him in the scheme. Still, he has one interception and 0.5 sacks on the season, and is often seen coming up on run support when asked as well.

Meanwhile, Smith has been a revelation for the college football world this season. We kept hearing about his exploits during workouts and spring ball, and he’s done nothing but make good on all of that this year with highlight catches, crips routes, body control, and a work ethic that’s already set him a part as a freshman. He leads Ohio State in receiving yards (954) and touchdown catches (10), and is second in receptions (57).

Congrats to all three of these players and let’s hope there’s more coming in the postseason.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

Video: Early names to know for the Lions potential first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

Video breakdown of some early names to know for the Lions potential first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

One of the byproducts of the Detroit Lions being a Super Bowl contender is that the NFL Draft has quickly become an in-season afterthought for most fans. The potential prospects and draft options aren’t nearly as pertinent when there’s a realistic chance for Detroit to be picking at No. 32 instead of No. 2.

Brad Holmes and his scouting staff aren’t forgetting about the 2025 NFL Draft. They’ve been hard at work evaluating prospects all over the country.

In conjunction with the Detroit Lions Podcast, here’s an early list of players who seem to fit what the Lions are looking for in a prospect who could wind up being the team’s first pick in the upcoming draft. It’s far from a complete list, but these are players that Detroit fans should at least be familiar with as the college football regular season rapidly approaches its end.

By popular demand, we’re holding off on any mock drafts until after the college regular season ends.

Chargers fortify the offense in latest two round mock draft

Browns Wire editor and NFL Draft expert Cory Kinnan gave the Chargers two offensive prospects in a mock draft released on Tuesday.

Riding a four game win streak after a nail-biting win over the Bengals on Sunday Night Football, the Chargers have a while before they need to think about the 2025 NFL Draft.

Nonetheless, there are some glaring holes on the current roster, ones that Browns Wire editor and NFL Draft expert Cory Kinnan tried to fill for Los Angeles in his latest mock draft, published on the Daft on Draft Substack.

Round 1, Pick 25: Ohio State G Donovan Jackson

From Kinnan:

The Los Angeles Chargers have built a mean identity. They are a gritty team but need another mauler along the interior of their offensive line. Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson will fortify that for the Chargers, who are starting Trey Pipkins at right guard. Jim Harbaugh wants to beat up the team across from him down by down, and Jackson helps that cause.

Pipkins hasn’t been the most glaring issue for the interior of the Chargers offensive line, but his performance also hasn’t been good enough to warrant him going into next season as an unquestioned starter. With $6.75 million of potential cap savings if Pipkins is released this offseason, Los Angeles may be more inclined to move on if a mauler of Jackson’s caliber is available.

Round 2, Pick 57: Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr.

With Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland off the board by the time the Chargers pick at 25 in Kinnan’s mock, a tight end wasn’t a viable pick in the first round. Texas tight end Gunnar Helm comes off the board 12 picks before LA comes up, which leaves the Chargers with Fannin, a supercharged receiving option who has lit up Power 4 teams like Texas A&M and Penn State for the Falcons this season. Los Angeles needs a primary receiver at that spot – while Will Dissly’s career highs as a receiver have been a pleasant surprise, the Chargers need a more reliable weapon for Justin Herbert over the middle.

Chiefs scouting report: Ohio State Buckeyes OL Donovan Jackson

The Kansas City #Chiefs could beef up their offensive line by selecting Ohio State Buckeyes guard Donovan Jackson in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith becomes a free agent after the 2024 season. Smith’s massive value on the open market could push Kansas City to let him walk in favor of a cheaper option through the 2025 NFL draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes guard Donovan Jackson is a left guard who needs to gain experience operating on the right side of the line if he lands in Kansas City. The Buckeyes asked Jackson to finish this season playing left tackle after superstar Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending injury. Unfortunately, this means Jackson won’t be at his natural position in any of his games in the College Football Playoff.

Jackson’s thick frame sports arms with elite length for a guard. Jackson sits low in his pass set and absorbs power rushers with a wide base. Defenders struggle to play through his frame and can’t escape his grasp once he latches onto them. He channels nice power through his hands, which makes him a nightmare for undersized defensive tackles and second level blitzers.

Jackson lacks the agility to redirect and cut off twitchy pass rushers. He bends at the waist a little, which makes him vulnerable to swim moves. Defensive tackles with powerful upper bodies like Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson knock him out of his stance with club moves. This weakness appeared on Jackson’s tape in previous seasons too.

Jackson is a versatile run blocker with the power to generate vertical displacement and the mobility to lead block on the perimeter. He showcases nice speed in the open field. Jackson uses his burst to execute reach blocks and has the power to strain and finish through the whistle.

Jackson is a well-rounded prospect with physical upside because of his length and power. He projects as a second or early third-round selection.

Ohio State is currently facing off against Northwestern at the Wildcats’ temporary stadium on Lake Michigan. The game kicked off at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Northwestern only has two wins against Big Ten opponents this year, but pass rusher Anto Saka could provide a challenge for Jackson as he fills in at left tackle.

Ravens among NFL teams in attendance for Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup

Baltimore Ravens among NFL teams in attendance for Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup

No. 3 ranked Penn State (7-0) is hosting the No. 4 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) on Saturday at Beaver Stadium, and the NFL scouts and executives are out and taking in the star power on both squads.

The Nittany Lions’ top draft prospects include defensive end Abdul Carter — a potential top-10 pick — as well as quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kayton Allen, tight end Tyler Warren, defensive tackle Zane Durant, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and safety Jaylen Reed.

For Ohio State, Will Howard (QB), TreVeyon Henderson (RB), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Emeka Egbuka (WR), and Donovan Jackson (OL) are among the players to watch.

Ohio State football star receives massive bump in ‘College Football 25’

Ohio State football star receives massive bump in College Football 25 #GoBucks

Ohio State football will be kicking off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Noon on Saturday and will hope to show off some defensive improvement after a disappointing loss to the Oregon Ducks. On the virtual gridiron, however, we don’t need to wait until Saturday to see improvements as the latest update for EA Sports’ “College Football 25” gave a large ratings boost to one Buckeye superstar.

Jeremiah Smith has been setting the college world on fire and EA Sports’ has apparently noticed as he is now rated at 90 overall, which is an increase of six total points. Few would argue against this bump because the freshman phenom receiver has already tallied 32 receptions for 553 yards and seven touchdowns.

Offensive tackle, Josh Simmons, also received a ratings boost of five to make his new overall 90. Edge rusher, Jack Sawyer  and interior offensive lineman, Donovan Jackson, received moderate bumps increasing their ratings by one. Sawyer is now a 90 overall and Jackson sits at 92.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

3 scouting standouts from CFB Week 4 to know

Breaking down three 2025 NFL Draft prospects who played very well in CFB Week 4 and helped boost their scouting profiles

The college football weekend was more low-key than expected, with several top programs taking the week off and others cruising in noncompetitive matchups. But as is always the case, the draft eyes never sleep.

Here are three guys who boosted their 2025 NFL Draft status with impressive outings over the CFB Week 4 weekend.

Josaiah Stewart, EDGE Michigan

I was fortunate enough to be inside the Big House to see Stewart’s tour de force performance in Michigan’s win over USC. In a game with several impressive defensive efforts, Stewart definitely deserves special recognition.

Stewart abused the Trojans offensive line with a bevy of power-to-speed moves, showing excellent burst off the block and quick feet to close ground on USC QB Miller Moss in a hurry. I was surprised postgame to find the 240-pound stand-up rusher only got credited with four QB hits; it felt like Stewart was in the backfield on every pass play.

He uses his shoulders and strong hands very adeptly, showing improvement week by week. The body control Stewart showed in not overshooting the point of attack despite screaming around the edge was definitely impressive.

The Senior Bowl also took notice of Stewart:

 

Terrence Spence, CB, James Madison

James Madison hung 70 on North Carolina in one of the weirdest games of the college season. The Dukes offense was a hot knife through Tar Heel butter all night, but a JMU defensive player stood out the most in terms of elevating a draft profile: CB Terrence Spence.

Spence, a transfer from FCS-level Holy Cross, was only on the prior radar due to his uncanny knack for blocking kicks (he has 6 in his career) on special teams. The 6-foot-1 corner added another blocked punt in this one, which was ultimately returned for a touchdown. Spence also got on the scoreboard himself by returning one of his two INTs on the night for a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Pavel6813/status/1837568878525685824

Spence had his moments on Holy Cross film (which I watched for WR Jalen Coker in the 2024 draft), but he had some tackling and grabbing issues. The fantastic night against North Carolina was very clean in those regards, aside from the big plays Spence pulled off. With his special teams prodigiousness, that could be a tiebreaker for a late-round flyer or UDFA invite for some NFL teams.

Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Jackson made his 2024 debut for the Buckeyes against Marshall after missing the first three games with an undisclosed injury. The big left guard looked better than ever in Ohio State’s 49-14 win.

Jackson is well-known in draft circles for his power and extremely long arms. In watching the tape, Jackson appears to have dialed in his punch placement from his All-Big Ten status from the last two seasons. His ability to create jolting power off the snap was already appealing, but now it looks even better. Marshall didn’t take a single rep from Jackson all game.

If he can continue to play anywhere close to the level he showed against the Thundering Herd, Jackson should be a top-40 overall pick based on talent and upside. He answered any questions about a possible injury-related regression or rust to his game.