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.
Donovan Jackson (#74) Offensive Guard pic.twitter.com/g5rLOsTcWy
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) November 11, 2024
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.
