Donovan Jackson: Why Boring Should Be Comforting To NFL GMs

In the world of evaluation, it’s easy to get enamored with flash—the freakish athletic traits, jaw-dropping highlights, and tantalizing “high-ceiling” prospects are all the rage come this time of year. But sometimes, the safest bet is also the smartest one. Enter Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, a player whose performance floor and athletic profile might just make him one of the most valuable picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

A former five-star recruit out of Bellaire, Texas, Jackson has been a cornerstone for the Buckeyes' offensive line for years. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, he has the ideal size, length, and interior anchor for an NFL guard, yet his ability to seamlessly transition to left tackle during Ohio State’s musical chair act up front this fall has only bolstered an already-strong collegiate resume. 

The Buckeyes’ offensive line has faced a gauntlet of challenges in 2024. Initial starting left tackle and projected first-rounder Josh Simmons went down with a season-ending injury early in the year. All-everything center Seth McLaughlin, who has glowing reviews across the league as well, suffered a season-ending injury in November. Those injuries left glaring holes at two of the one of the most critical positions on an offense. Rather than letting the line collapse, Ohio State turned to Jackson to hold down the fort.

Sliding out from his natural spot at guard, Jackson didn’t miss a beat when asked to now protect quarterback Will Howard’s blindside. From Week 10 onward—starting against Penn State, where Jackson’s first-ever snaps at tackle came against future top-five pick Abdul Carter—he was simply sensational. While his traits might not scream “pure tackle” in the NFL, his performance at tackle showcased his understanding of angles, footwork, and ability to handle varying skill sets in a pinch. That kind of adaptability is rare, even among top-tier prospects, and it speaks volumes about Jackson’s preparation and fundamental ability as a football player. 

His success week in and week out has made him a bit of a “boring” prospect in the best way possible. While offensive linemen won’t ever receive the buzz of offensive skill players or dynamic defenders, it’s players like Jackson who’ll play 10-plus years within the same offense and coaches don’t ever have to question performance. Jackson is a technician who rarely makes mistakes (two sacks allowed in 2024), and his IQ up front allows him to quickly diagnose stunts and games effectively. For NFL teams seeking immediate contributors, it’s a level of polish that can’t be overstated. In a draft class where many other positions come with significant question marks, Jackson’s reliability, versatility, and dominance for a blueblood program stand out.

While some prospects may require years of development to reach their potential, Jackson is a player who will be ready to contribute from the moment he enters a facility. His tape against the premier competition in the Big Ten—including NFL-littered defensive fronts like Michigan and Penn State—along with his success in Ohio State’s deep College Football Playoff run shows a player who consistently straps up and bullies opponents for 60 minutes.

In the NFL draft, where upside—even more so this spring—often comes with significant risk, Jackson offers something different: comfortability. He’s not going to dominate pre-draft headlines, but when Week 1 of his rookie year rolls around, Jackson will be starting somewhere, operating with the quiet consistency that every premier lineman does.

Teams often overthink the draft, chasing upside at the expense of stability even though “potential” can often get coaches kicked out the door. In a league where points remain paramount and protecting the quarterback should remain priority No. 1, going the “boring” route by taking a lineman like Jackson could reap immense rewards for the general manager who turns in his card.