Brock’s Seahawks Draft Profile: A ‘dominant’ guard from Ohio State

Heading into this week’s NFL Draft, the big question surrounding the Seattle Seahawks is how they will address their glaring needs along the interior offensive line.

One potential option could be Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Jackson is ranked by ESPN’s Matt Miller as the second-best guard in this year’s draft – one spot ahead of Alabama’s Tyler Booker and behind only North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel.

For former NFL quarterback Brock Huard, it’s easy to see why Jackson is in that top tier of interior linemen. As part of his Seahawks Draft Profile series on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk, Huard featured Jackson and raved about everything he brings to the table.

“The dude is a grinder,” Huard said. “He’s a growler. He’s a finisher. He’s a dominant player at guard. Three-year starter at Ohio State. A grown man. … He moves really well. He mirrors really well. Everything that scouts want. He is off the charts as far as a draft prospect.”

With an NFL-sized frame, Jackson is a powerful and explosive blocker who has a level of athleticism that could allow him to fit nicely in new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s wide-zone blocking scheme.

Jackson also possesses a wealth of high-level experience from playing on the biggest stages in college football. He made 40 starts and appeared in 53 games over his four-year career at Ohio State. He was a second-team All-American this past season and a two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection. And in January, he became a national champion.

Jackson’s first 31 starts at Ohio State came at his natural position of left guard. But when left tackle and fellow early-round NFL Draft prospect Josh Simmons went down with a season-ending injury in mid-October, Jackson kicked outside to left tackle. He filled in admirably, playing at quality level while manning the spot for the final nine games – including all four College Football Playoff contests.

That versatility could be appealing to the Seahawks, given right tackle Abraham Lucas’ injury issues over the past two years. While Jackson’s future is considered to be at guard, his ability to kick outside in a pinch could be beneficial.

In recent mock drafts, there’s a somewhat wide range of spots Jackson is projected to land. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicts him to be taken by the Los Angeles Rams at No. 24. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has him going to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 43. And Miller tabs him to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 45.

Wherever Jackson ends up, his Ohio State background will no doubt have him well-prepared.

“Ohio State is demanding,” Huard said. “Ohio State gets you pro-ready. There’s a reason that guys come out of that place and are not overwhelmed by the NFL. Entitlement gets cut off once you walk into that Woody Hayes (Athletic Center). It gets cut off, no matter where you come from, no matter how talented you are. Why? Because (you look around and) that’s a five-star, that’s a five-star, that’s a five-star. That’s all they’ve got are guys with measurables and talent and production.

“As far as iron sharpening iron, I don’t know if there’s any place that does it better than the Ohio State University.”

Listen to the full conversation at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Tune in to Brock and Salk weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.

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