Iowa’s Jackson Declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Another offensive tackle is off to the 2021 NFL Draft

Iowa left tackle Alaric Jackson has announced his intentions to enter the 2021 NFL Draft via Instagram on Monday. Jackson a 6-foot-6 and 315 pound senior who started seven games for the Hawkeyes in 2020 and was a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection. Jackson led an Iowa offense that only allowed 11 sacks while helping produce over 1300 yards on the ground.

He could have returned to the Hawkeyes in 2021 due to the NCAA putting all athletes eligibility on hold but leaving now as a redshirt senior makes a lot of sense. As a junior in 2019, Jackson started 10 of 13 games at left tackle and was named third-team All-Big Ten. In 2018 he started 12 of 13 games and was named second-team All-Big Ten as a sophomore.

With the playing experience and learning under one of the most highly respected offensive line minds in Kirk Ferentz, Jackson could hear his name get called on day one of the draft. Keep in mind, he played left tackle for Iowa keeping All-American Tristan Wirfs at right tackle. Wirfs is arguably having one of the best seasons as a rookie offensive lineman we have seen in years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What Jackson brings to 2021 NFL Draft

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Looking at the tape from last year, I love the way he attacks using his hands and keeps his opponent locked in, and doesn’t give up the big play sacks. He is a mammoth of a player and has good footwork and athleticism.

If Wirfs was the 13th overall pick then we definitely should talk about Jackson being a mid to late first-round pick. He should be talked about after the big names of Oregon’s Penei Sewell and Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater.

I am sure a lot of teams are aware of Jackson because of the film review of Wirfs from last year at Iowa and the Ferentz factory of offensive linemen that have been drafted in the NFL. 16 offensive lineman have been drafted since Ferentz has been at the helm at Iowa including future hall of fame guard Marshal Yanda.

Potential fits for Jackson at the next level

If you’re the Los Angeles Chargers or the Dallas Cowboys and both names above are taken in the top 10, it might be worth taking Jackson that high. Currently, the Cowboys are in the 11th position and the Chargers are in the 12th position. Things could change after week 17 but both those teams need help on the offensive line desperately.

I also could see a team like the Jaguars or Jets trading back in to the back half of the first round to take a prospect like Jackson to help protect their young quarterbacks.