The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and so is your need to be prepared for all of tomorrow’s stars. Dive into our spotlight on Donovan Jackson, featuring his scouting report, strengths and weaknesses, his recent draft projection, and where all the experts predict he could 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.
Donovan Jackson’s NFL Draft Projection
In CSN’s 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from April 12, Jackson landed in Round 2 with the 45th overall pick. James Fragoza has this to say:
Donovan Jackson is a guard, but his tape at tackle last year was notable. The Colts need to bolster the offensive line for Anthony Richardson (Daniel Jones?), and Jackson can slot in wherever they want him.
And in CSN’s recent 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Brian Burden had this to say about Jackson’s selection to the Kansas City Chiefs in Round 1 with the 31st pick:
The Kansas City Chiefs sent Joe Thuney to Chicago in a trade, and Donovan Jackson makes a logical replacement in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. His rush-blocking abilities would allow Patrick Mahomes and company to continue their inventive ways on offense.
A first-team All-Big Ten selection for the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, the 6’4″, 320-pounder is used to opening big holes for the likes of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, who should also come off the board soon.
2025 NFL Draft Landing Spots for Donovan Jackson
Here are other potential landing spots that have found their way in recent mock drafts:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Giants
Donovan Jackson’s NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6035
- Weight: 315 pounds
- Position: Offensive Guard
- School: Ohio State
- Arm: 3428
- Hand: 1068
Note: Jackson did not compete at the NFL Combine.
Donovan Jackson’s College Stats
Career:
- Games: 51
- Snaps: 4,352
- Sacks Allowed: 5
- Hurries Allowed: 29
- QB Hits Allowed: 8
- Penalties: 8
2024:
- Games: 14
- Snaps: 422
- Sacks Allowed: 2
- Hurries Allowed: 12
- QB Hits Allowed: 5
- Penalties: 2
*pass-blocking and penalty stats courtesy of TruMedia
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