The Chicago Bears are one of many teams in the 2025 NFL Draft that could need interior offensive line help. After the National Championship, those interested should look at a player like Ohio State tackle Donovan Jackson, whom many believe will kick inside to guard at the next level.
Jackson has been one of many Buckeyes who could make an immediate impact in the NFL for a team that is willing to give him a starting role in short order. While often projected to be a Day 2 pick, Jackson's stock has been on the rise ever since he and his teammates bulldozed the playoff field and won a National Championship.
Teams interested in Jackson, and fans who will be clamoring for the former Buckeye, should take the time to familiarize themselves with his overall game.
Ohio State IOL Donovan Jackson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 320
- 5-star recruit, No. 7 recruit in the nation (No. 2 OL) in 2021
- 2x All Big-Ten
Positives
- Impressive power in his upper body and hands, can wash pass rushers out of plays with heavy hand
- Pass protection stands out thanks to rock-solid lower base enabling him to handle bullrushes
- Good road-grading run blocker who creates holes at the line of scrimmage, handled NFL run-stuffers at Notre Dame and Oregon extremely well
- High football IQ, has been able to handle complicated stunts with ease, almost never caught out of position
Teams who want Jackson are getting a muscular player who loves to flatten opposing pass rushers on the back of pure power. If he gets time to set up in pass protection and properly times his initial punch, he is one of the toughest linemen in the country to get past.
The fact that Jackson has performed so well in a very complex offense while showing the ability to handle challenges that professional defensive coordinators will throw at him should drive his stock up. Jackson may be looked at as a guard first, but tackle could be a very real possibility.
Negatives
- Not the best athlete for his size, can struggle to recover if quick initial burst manages to get the better of him
- Plays too high in space, may not be ideal for certain zone-based blocking schemes
- Played tackle in college, will need to be converted to guard
The words "wooden" or "robotic" come to mind with Jackson sometimes, as he doesn't have the movement skills that leap off the tape like some of the other athletes projected in this range. If he did have any trouble with pass rushers this year, it was the ones who could fly off the snap and evade the brunt of his heavy initial punch.
Some teams may not be too keen on making him a Day 1 starter, as he will need to be converted from tackle to guard. That may take some time. While he was decent in space, he is certainly a work in progress in that area. This could make him less compatible with certain schemes.
Donovan Jackson NFL Player Comparison: Trey Smith
Much like Smith, Jackson can overwhelm opponents with raw power. After allowing just two sacks last year, Jackson should be able to make the move inside quite easily.
Donovan Jackson 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Late 1st/Early 2nd
Jackson has been so impressive in the last few weeks that he could eventually join injured teammate Josh Simmons in the first round. Jackson may challenge Alabama's Tyler Booker for the title of top interior lineman in this class, which could prompt teams enamored with his strength to trade up.