Update: Los Angeles has a new offensive tackle as Alaric Jackson Rams is now a reality. Jackson wasn’t drafted, but signed as an UDFA by the Los Angeles Rams.
Introduction
If there is one thing Iowa is known for, it’s the talent along the offensive line. They have been an absolute factory for the NFL during Kirk Ferentz’s 20 year-reign. And even those that can’t bulk up to becoming linemen end up as NFL tight ends who usually block the hell out of people. So, it seems a tad surprising that Alaric Jackson isn’t getting much recognition going into this year’s draft. He was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hawkeyes. Although he may have been overshadowed those first three years by Tristan Wirfs. Wirfs is already considered one of the top tackles in the league after a dominant rookie season. Alaric Jackson is not Tristan Wirfs, but I do think he has starter potential at the next level. Although he isn’t the flashiest prospect.
Development
One of the issues with Jackson was a lack of improvement. There was definitive improvement from his freshman to sophomore season. Unfortunately, he got hurt early in his junior year. After that he never really seemed to be back to full strength. He was reliable during his final season, but he never became the ass kicker that everyone was hoping for. I took a look at his game against Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl to showcase what he is as a prospect. The Bulldogs had Jeffrey Simmons and Montez Sweat. Therefore, it will certainly give an idea of how he can compete at the NFL level.
Athleticism
To hit the negative first, the biggest issue with Jackson is he is not a top-level athlete. His job on this run play is to seal off the defensive tackle. It’s not an easy block to make, but he never really gets close to redirecting the defensive tackle or influencing him at all away from the run play. It’s a really tough block to make. Though he wasn’t able to make it, it does illustrate the ceiling that a guy like Jackson will have.
Awareness
In the next play, Jackson shows off his awareness. He knows to hand off the outside rusher to the running back so he can take care of any interior rushers. At first, there is no one to block so he helps the guard with the defensive tackle. He then peels off and takes the late charging linebacker.
With Iowa Hawkeye linemen, they may not always be flashy, but you know they will be well coached. Jackson shows very good awareness on this play to give the quarterback enough time to make the throw unimpeded. At over 320 pounds, Alaric Jackson has the size and strength to anchor his side of the line.
This is a good pass set where he gets his hands on the defender and drives him past the quarterback to give him plenty of room to step up and throw one of the easiest touchdown passes you will ever see. The defensive end isn’t able to even start turning a corner until he’s nine yards deep in the backfield. This gives Nate Stanley a massive pocket to make that throw.
Finally, he shows great technique here in handling multiple moves from the defensive lineman.
At first, he anchors down and stops the defender’s momentum. The defender tries to do a spin move, but Jackson does a really nice job of replacing his hands without ending up over his feet. He keeps a solid base, and the spin move basically keeps the defender exactly where he started.
Outlook
Alaric Jackson is not a “Wow” prospect. He’s not going to blow you away with anything that he does, but if you look at him long enough, you start to notice what doesn’t happen. He doesn’t put himself in bad positions, and he doesn’t take plays off. He’s consistent. He’s big, strong, and solid, but the lack of athleticism leaves a pretty clear ceiling on his impact. He kind of reminds me of the Bears offensive tackles, Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie. Not great, but somewhere around the 15th-25th best guys at their position. He can play well enough to start, but not well enough that you won’t keep your eyes open for better options. That sounds like an insult, but if you are getting that on Day 3 of the draft, you’re going to be incredibly happy with the value.
