Alaric Jackson 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Alaric Jackson 2021 NFL Draft Profile

In a loaded tackle class, Alaric Jackson is a name that isn’t garnering much attention. How is this so? A tenured left tackle, that started four seasons at one of the best offensive line programs in the nation should be getting more buzz, right? Simply, Jackson may have reached his peak in college. This isn’t a terrible thing as Jackson’s floor is relatively high. Jackson has good hands and enough athleticism to be a capable guard in the NFL.

Jackson played 35+ games for Iowa, anchoring a line that has produced NFL talent aplenty. His draft profile isn’t as good as his 2019 teammate Tristan Wirfs, but he still has characteristics that teams look for. Jackson is an above-average run blocker, with great drive and instincts. He was a leader of a line that produced great for his four seasons as starter and NFL teams value leadership characteristics in the mid-rounds.

The concerns surrounding Jackson are his length at the tackle spot and no elite traits. However, he is a versatile, experienced lineman, which is hard to find on the mid-days in the NFL Draft. Jackson can step in right away and offer depth to a team in need of bodies on the line. His weaknesses are more on physical traits than things that pop up on tape, meaning a position switch inside may benefit him.

Strengths

Experience at Left Tackle in college

Good pad level

Good explosion out of stance

NFL Size

Gets to the second level with ease

Weaknesses

Inconsistent with his feet, will cause issues at pro level

As a five year starter, his ceiling is relatively set

Lacks a nastiness in his blocks, finishes softly

Strength is an issue

Uses a false step, that he got away with in college, won’t cut it at NFL level

NFL Comparisons: Russell Okung

Projection: Fourth Round

Bottom Line on Alaric Jackson

The 2021 draft is loaded with tackles, and Jackson seems to be lost in the mix. Even though he started four years at left tackle for Iowa, he may be better suited to kick inside to guard at the next level. He can still offer a team depth at tackle as a reserve, but to garner starting snaps the switch inside seems necessary. His lack of huge flaws minus the lack of length to play tackle, make his projection at guard a good one. Jackson wouldn’t be the first Iowa tackle to make the switch, joining all-pro guards Marshall Yanda and Brandon Scherff, and it turned out pretty beneficial for them. Jackson could be a plug-and-play starter at guard right away for a guard needy team.