2020 NFL Draft: Matching offensive linemen to teams in the first round
808. . Offensive Tackle. Trojans . Austin Jackson. 18. player
The Miami Dolphins went into a full rebuild this season, trading away multiple assets for draft picks as they attempt to build for the future.
One such asset was left tackle Laremy Tunsil in a trade with the Houston Texans, where the Dolphins managed to grab a lot of early picks.
It was a good trade for Miami, but now the hunt is on for their new left tackle. One such option is USC’s Austin Jackson, a very athletic tackle who has risen in draft circles this year.
Jackson looks the part at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, and has the strength and athleticism to be an NFL left tackle. He’s not quite on the level of Andrew Thomas or Jedrick Wills in terms of where he can be picked, but he should hear his name called on the first night.
Jackson’s big flaw is he can sometimes rely too much on his athletic ability instead of using technique, but that’s a relatively minor flaw to be corrected.
Jackson is a good kid as well, he took time off earlier in the season to donate bone marrow to his sister before coming back and playing well. Such a thing will impress teams.
Miami needs to continue to beef up its offensive line, and Jackson is a good match.