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.
