After three years as a standout guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Donovan Jackson went out on top as a national champion.
Between his large sample size of tape, the athleticism he displays for his size, and the success he’s had against some of the top defenses in college football, Jackson figures to be one of the first offensive linemen selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Donovan Jackson’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 315 pounds
- Position: Offensive Guard
- School:Â Ohio State
- Current Year:Â Senior
Jackson’s Scouting Report
An alumnus of Episcopal High School, Jackson was raised in Bellaire, Texas just outside of Houston. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, choosing to commit to Ohio State in his junior year to play college football.
Jackson sat on the bench his true freshman year, but he made appearances in all 13 games. He took 103 snaps on offense, splitting time between left guard, right guard and right tackle. He also took 97 snaps on special teams as a freshman, all coming on the field goal kicking unit.
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With Thayer Munford kicking from left guard to left tackle in 2022, a starting lineup spot opened up for Jackson. He was able to take advantage of it, starting in all 13 games. He was named second-team All-Big Ten as a true sophomore as the Buckeyes made it to the CFP Semifinal.
Remaining at left guard for the 2023 season, Jackson built upon his sophomore year with a strong junior year. He started in all 13 games again, finishing as a first-team All-Big Ten player. He allowed just one sack to his two sacks in 2022, as well as 10 quarterback pressures to his 13 in 2022.
Ohio State finished the 2023 season with a loss in the Cotton Bowl to Missouri, but they returned several key contributors heading into 2024. Jackson ended being one of the top players to return, as he generated looks for the NFL Draft before returning for his senior year.
Continuing his progressions at the collegiate level, Jackson was named second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten in 2024. He started in 14 games for Ohio State in their national championship-winning season.
Save for some reserve snaps on the right side as a freshman, Jackson played predominantly as a left guard in college. When left tackle Josh Simmons got hurt, though, Jackson kicked outside to left tackle, showcasing impressive adaptability kicking outside.
Strengths
- Has longer arms for a guard at 33 1/2 inches.
- Ability to kick outside at left tackle last-minute and perform well there was admirable.
- Three-year starter at a blue-blood program who’s tested on the toughest stages.
- Thickly-built guard prospect who carries his weight well.
- Lower-half flexibility improved over the course of his collegiate career, as it turned into a legitimate strength of his by the end of his 2024 season.
- Has a naturally powerful anchor, which makes it difficult for the opposition to convert speed to power against him.
- When he lands his strikes accurately, he’s capable of latching onto opposing defenders easily.
- Grip strength at the point of attack is impressive, and the force in his jabs is impressive.
- Flexible lower half allows him to stay low and win the leverage battle, and it also helps him stay under control blocking on the move.
- Does a good job of keeping his head on a swivel in pass protection.
- Accelerates well off the snap with very good quickness climbing to the second level.
- Fluid mover who rolls his hips well through contact and he has the mobility and coordination needed to maintain balance as a down or reach blocker.
- Zone/gap-flexible run blocker with significant experience in both schemes.
Weaknesses
- Coordinated on the move, but when he changes direction in pass protection, his agility proves to just be average.
- Can struggle against stunting edge rushers working across his body from time to time.
- Hand placement can be a bit inconsistent, as his strikes land wide in some instances.
- Because of his wide hands, it can be easier for opposing defensive tackles to enter the inside of his chest and generate proper leverage at the point of attack.
- If ever kicked outside to tackle at the NFL level, he could struggle a little bit with speed rushers hitting the outside angle against him.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Donovan Jackson is a consistent, reliable guard prospect who should be able to start right away at the NFL level.
Armed with the explosiveness, power, and football IQ needed to thrive in the Big Ten, Jackson is one of the safer offensive line prospects you’ll get in the 2025 NFL Draft. His physical attributes showcase a high ceiling, and he generates serious movement at the point of attack.
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NFL teams will love how Jackson kicked outside to left tackle in the middle of the 2024 season and played well at a position that’s not natural to him. That should fare well when teams evaluate his football character.
Jackson isn’t without his flaws, though some should be correctable in time. He’s clearly a guard and not a tackle at the NFL level, though his ability to redirect and change direction could improve. His hand placement stands out as the biggest consistent flaw.
All told, Jackson is a top-50 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Exactly how high he projects depends on how one values guards compared to tackles. He might fall out of the first round due to perceived positional value, but if he does, don’t expect him to last long on Day 2.
