2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Donovan Jackson

One of the unsung heroes of the Ohio State National Championship run, Donovan Jackson has had NFL written all over him ever since his high school days. After coming to Columbus as a five-star athlete, top interior lineman, and seventh-best recruit regardless of position, expectations were high. He was one of the leaders on the Buckeyes’ offensive line in 2024 and finished his career with 2,571 snaps across his four seasons. Now, Jackson is expected to be one of the many Ohio State players to hear his name in this year’s draft.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Donovan Jackson

Donovan Jackson NFL Draft Overview

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 320 pounds

School: Ohio State

Background

Jackson was part of the objectively ridiculous 2021 Ohio State recruiting class. He was one of seven five-star players and one of nine players who were top-five in their respective positions. Oddly enough, all seven players are in this draft (with five representing Ohio State). From the jump, Jackson was in on sub packages, often utilized as a sixth lineman. As a true freshman in 2021, Jackson logged 103 snaps for the Buckeyes before taking over full-time in 2022.

As the starting left guard for the CFP-bound Buckeyes in 2022, Jackson logged 827 snaps blocking for C.J. Stroud. Across those 827 snaps, Jackson amassed 449 pass-blocking snaps where he allowed just two sacks and nine hurries.

As a junior, Jackson continued his high-end play but did take a slight step back. Across 825 snaps, Jackson’s run-blocking grade fell to 67.3 from PFF but jumped to 72.7 in pass blocking. It was his best year in terms of pressures and sacks, only allowing eight and one, respectively.

He was “one foot out the door” prior to the 2024 season but he elected to run it back alongside his teammates. In the national championship season, Jackson started off as the starting left guard but had to shift out to left tackle after the injury to Josh Simmons. Despite the switch, he was lock-down. He allowed two sacks across 816 total snaps and earned an overall grade of 71.8.

In his career, Jackson was named a First-Team All-Big Ten player three times and earned First-Team All-American honors from USA Today, The Sporting News, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.