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Jonah Jackson

Jonah Jackson Player Profile

Summary

Jonah Jackson is a veteran NFL interior offensive lineman, primarily a guard, who has built a reputation as a reliable and physically tough blocker. He played college football at Ohio State Buckeyes (after transferring from Rutgers) and was drafted in the 3rd round (75th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Bleacher Report Over his professional career, Jackson has been known for his durability, versatility across the interior line, and strong performance in pass protection.

As of 2025, he was traded to the Chicago Bears as part of a move to further bolster their offensive line. Reuters

Strengths

Here are some of Jackson’s key strengths:

  • Strong physical frame and foundation: Jackson measures around 6’3″, ~306 lbs, with good arm length (33½″) for an interior lineman. Bleacher Report

  • Pass-protection ability: Analysts have rated him highly as a pass protector — he’s shown good setting in his stance, quick punch and ability to sustain blocks in pass situations. Bleacher Report

  • Versatility on the interior: He has experience at guard and center (and both guard positions), which makes him valuable for line flexibility. Hogs Haven

  • Football IQ and effort: Jackson has been praised for his awareness, consistent effort, and ability to finish blocks — he often wins the “knockdown” metrics in college tape despite not being the most athletically gifted. Buckeye Sports

  • Run-blocking grit: While not elite in lateral mobility, Jackson exhibits physicality and willingness to drive defenders, especially in downhill schemes. Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

Despite his many positives, Jackson also has areas that evaluators flagged for improvement:

  • Mobility/athleticism limitations: He doesn’t test at elite levels in lateral quickness or change-of-direction. Some reports highlighted his limitations when asked to move in space or pull quickly. Buckeye Sports

  • Pad level/leverage issues: Regular scouting notes include that Jackson sometimes plays “too high” (i.e., his pad level is elevated) which reduces his ability to drive off blocks or maintain anchor in run-games. Bleacher Report

  • Run-game technique / base vs power players: While gritty, Jackson’s strength is less about overwhelming brute strength and more about effort and leverage; against elite defenders who win inside, he can be challenged. Bleacher Report

  • Limited upside vs dominant athletic defenders: Some evaluations suggest that he may lack the “wow” factor athletically to dominate elite defenders consistently — meaning his ceiling might be a strong starter rather than an All-Pro interior lineman in some systems. Buckeye Sports

Fit & Outlook

Jonah Jackson projects as a solid and dependable starting interior offensive lineman, especially in a system that values scheme discipline, intelligence, and physical toughness over extreme athletic traits.

  • Near-term (1-2 years): He should continue to be a key piece on the Bears’ offensive line, likely as a starting guard (or versatile interior option). His strengths in pass protection and versatility are especially valuable in today’s NFL.

  • Medium-term (3-4 years): If he maintains health and continues to refine his run-blocking technique (especially pad level and leverage), he could be among the better guards in the league. Unless he develops significantly more athletic upside, his ceiling is likely a dependable starter rather than a perennial All-Pro.

  • Key for maximizing value: Staying healthy, improving technique in the run game, maintaining low pad level, and adapting to different blocking schemes (zone vs power) will help extract maximum value from his skill-set.