Alaric Jackson
Summary
Alaric “AJ” Jackson went undrafted in the 2021 Class out of University of Iowa. Jackson came into the NFL as a four‑year starter at left tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, posting 42 career starts and earning First‑Team All‑Big Ten honors in 2020. Standing 6′6″ and around 315–320 lbs, he combines size with a polished run‑block pedigree and solid fundamentals in pass protection. However, his draft profile carried clear caveats: questions about his lateral agility, mirroring speed rushers, and whether his size/arm length would allow him to project as a long‑term blind‑side tackle at the NFL level. Since entering the league, Jackson has carved out a starting role (including at left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams) and earned a multi‑year extension, signaling his development and value.
Strengths
Size, length and experience: Jackson’s 6′6″ frame, long arms and 42 career starts at a major program give him a strong physical and experience foundation.
Run‑blocking skill and lower‑body power: He shows excellent leg drive, a strong punch and the ability to generate movement and sustain blocks in the ground game.
Fundamentals and hand usage in pass protection: Analysts note his strong hand placement, ability to reset and absorb contact, and good anchor vs power moves. SI
Durability and reliability: Despite going undrafted, Jackson’s steady snap counts and cylindrical progression have shown that he can hold up in a starting role. Los Angeles Rams
Weaknesses
Lateral agility and mirroring speed edge rushers: While competent, Jackson’s foot speed and hip flexibility are not elite, which may limit his blind‑side tackle ceiling. Bleacher Report
Arm length and reach below premium for top blind‑side tackles: Inconsistent reach and tape vs length‑rushers as a concern.
Balance and anchor issues in high‑end pass‑rush matchups: Shows a narrow base or gets out‑leverage when facing speed‑to‑power rushers with late bend. Bleacher Report
Ceiling somewhat scheme‑dependent: He may be at his best in run‑heavy, zone‑oriented or guard schemes; less ideal in systems demanding ultra elite tackle athleticism. draftdive.com
Early injury and health considerations: Jackson missed time during his college career (knee injury in 2019) and has had health issues in the NFL (blood‑clot situation) that raise availability questions.
Fit & Outlook
Jackson fits best in an offense that values strong interior protection, powerful run‑blocking, and allows the tackle to play more “forward” rather than constantly chasing elite speed‑rushers off the edge. An offense that uses zone‑run concepts, pulling guards, and stable tackle play (rather than mirroring top speed blitzes) will get the most out of his skill set. He also projects well as a guard if a team prefers to move him inside to maximize his power while reducing exposure to pure speed edge matchups, but so far, has more than held his own at left tackle in the NFL. Looking ahead, Jackson’s outlook is promising. His floor is that of a dependable starting offensive lineman—someone who reliably protects, contributes in the run game, and offers durability and continuity on the line. His upside includes becoming a high‑quality starting tackle with multi‑year value, especially if he continues refining his footwork, increases functional strength, and navigates health/availability. The key risks revolve around whether his lateral athletic limitations or reach disadvantages are exposed at the highest level, and how well he adapts to demands of pass‑rush variation. With the right fit and continued growth, Jackson’s trajectory is solid and offers sustainable value for years, as evidenced by the Rams awarding him with a multi-year extension.