Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft: Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa

In the latest installment of our ‘Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft‘ series, we take a deeper dive into the game of Iowa Hawkeyes offensive tackle, Alaric Jackson.

The NFL is in dire need of legitimate starting-quality offensive tackles, and Iowa’s Alaric Jackson looks very much like a prospect who will be graded as one by the time the 2020 NFL draft rolls around.

The former three-star recruit has started 24 games over his first two seasons as a Hawkeye, including 12 as a freshman when he was named to the 2017 Freshman All-American Team. He was an Academic All-Big-10 selection that year, too.

Last season, Jackson started 12 games and finished the year as a Second Team All-Big-10 left tackle.

Physically, Jackson is unofficially listed at 6-6 and 320 pounds. He could probably afford to lose about 10 pounds in an effort to improve his footspeed; his midsection is a little soft and there’s definitely some extra pounds that can be shed.

Athletically, Jackson is a coordinated guy who does a nice job keeping his feet under him. While he has good range and athleticism to reach the corner against speed guys, he doesn’t do it consistently enough to feel totally comfortable with his ability to hang against some of the NFL’s top edge defenders. That said, he has good body control and footwork. This is where a better diet comes into play.

Jackson’s first two seasons have produced enough good film in pass protection to assume he will stick at offensive tackle in the NFL. He’s pretty quick out of his stance, possesses the necessary foot speed to compete against any style pass-rusher, has above-average strength and maintains good balance through contact. He does his best work in pass protection against power; he has a very good anchor and will stonewall defenders who think they can bully him to the quarterback.

He’s an effective run blocker at this point in his development, too. He’s athletic enough to reach defenders on the second level and is productive as both a power in-line guy and as a step-and-sealer.

Jackson is entering his junior season and might be a prospect who opts to play a full four seasons at Iowa before turning pro. He has all the physical traits a coaching staff will want on the next level, but he’s still a little slow to react to complex stunts and blitzes. He’s a smart guy and will get better in that department, and if he makes a marked improvement in his blitz/stunt pick up, there should be little hesitation to make the jump to the NFL.

Jackson projects as a starting-quality tackle in the NFL, and those guys don’t wait long to hear their names called on draft day.