Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with our spotlight on Donovan Jackson. Get the breakdown on his strengths and weaknesses in our scouting report, understand his potential with our draft profile, and see where experts predict he’ll land.
Donovan Jackson’s NFL Draft Scouting Report
Donovan Jackson has been on the NFL Draft radar since he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2021 as a five-star recruit. He went on to start 31 games at left guard and the final nine games of his career at left tackle — in a championship run that opened evaluators’ eyes. Jackson’s ability to play tackle in a pinch is extremely valuable, and teams can’t ignore that.
Still, Jackson likely projects better as a guard at the NFL level. He’s not the most flexible in his midsection or on recovery, and that could be a limiting factor outside. On the interior, Jackson has a perfect build. He’s low-to-the-ground and hyper-dense at 6’4″, 315 pounds, with near-34″ arms.
He has great lateral mobility, clean pass sets, forceful and active hands, power in both phases, and the core strength to absorb. With inbuilt security and versatility up front, as well as long-term upside, Jackson is a great prospect to invest in.
Looking for more analysis on prospects? Here’s our offensive guard scouting reports for the 2025 NFL Draft and all other positions.
Donovan Jackson’s Latest NFL Draft Projection
PFSN’s Ian Cummings projected that Jackson would be picked 48th overall by the Miami Dolphins in his latest seven-round mock draft.
Cummings said, “Odds are, at least one quality guard prospect will fall to Miami in Round 2. Here, it’s Donovan Jackson, a fringe first-round talent with strength, leverage, and easy mobility.”
Ready to have some fun? Jump into our free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and follow along during the NFL Draft. The simulator will be updated in real-time, allowing you to finish the rest of the draft based on the results.
Donovan Jackson’s NFL Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 315 pounds
- Position: Offensive Guard
- School: Ohio State
- Arm: 3428
- Wingspan: 8368
Where Does Donovan Jackson Rank Among 2025’s OG Prospects?
Here are the top 10 iOL rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN Draft Analyst Ian Cummings:
1. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
2. Tyler Booker, Alabama
3. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
4. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
5. Marcus Mbow, Purdue
6. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
7. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
8. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
9. Jared Wilson, Georgia
10. Charles Grant, William & Mary
Donovan Jackson was originally slotted as a guard in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, but his season-closing stretch at left tackle — in relief of Josh Simmons — revealed a new potential outcome to evaluators. Guard is still his likely place, but he can legitimately play tackle.
The hallmark of Jackson’s game on the boundary is being tough to get around and tough to move. At 6’4″, 315 pounds, with near-34″ arms, Jackson is wide, stout, and incredibly strong. Beyond that, his footwork is quick and polished, and his punches can be jarring.
Naturally, with his build, hip flexibility can be an issue on recovery for Jackson. That would be the main issue were he to stick at tackle. Nevertheless, Jackson’s blend of leverage, lateral mobility, power, strength, and balance makes him reliable at either spot.
Want more rankings? Here’s our NFL Draft Big Board for this year’s draft class. You can also make your own with the PFSN Big Board Builder.