Jonah Jackson

Summary

Jonah Jackson was selected in Round 3 (#75 Overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University, after transferring from Rutgers. At Ohio State, he was a key starter on an elite offensive line and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2019) while helping power a College Football Playoff offense. In the NFL, Jackson has started 60+ games through the 2024 season, primarily at left guard, and has been a stabilizing force on the interior for Detroit before later moving on in free agency to the Rams and Bears. He earned Pro Bowl honors (2021) and has consistently graded well as a run blocker, playing a central role in multiple top-tier rushing attacks.

Strengths

• Run-Blocking Power: Strong, physical interior lineman who generates movement at the point of attack. Effective in gap, duo, and inside-zone run concepts.

• Anchor vs. Power Rush: Difficult to walk back and absorbs bull rushers effectively. Maintains leverage through contact while rarely knocked off his base.

• Hand Strength: Heavy, accurate hands allow him to control defenders once engaged.

• Experience & Consistency: Plays with edge and physicality; embraces trench battles. Extensive starting experience against high-level interior defenders.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness: Adequate but not elite and can be stressed by quick interior penetrators. Change of direction is limited as evidenced by poor composite agility grades.

• Second-Level Mobility: Functional but not dynamic when climbing to linebackers and is more adept at spring the first level block.

• Pass Protection vs. Quick Counters: Inside moves and twists can challenge him if timing is off. Will fall victim to the occasional hold if he gets trumped by speed.

• Injury History: Has dealt with nagging lower-body injuries that have limited availability at times.

Outlook

Jackson is best suited for physical, run-forward offenses that emphasize interior power and downhill concepts. He thrives in schemes that ask guards to generate movement, protect against power rushers, and play with an edge, rather than systems that rely heavily on lateral quickness and space blocking. His presence adds stability to the interior and allows offenses to maintain identity in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Paired next to the feisty Darnell Wright on the right side of the Bears line makes for a power duo in the run game. Looking ahead, Jackson projects as a solid veteran starter with above-average run-blocking value. While he may not be an elite, scheme-transcendent guard and considered something of a free agent flop with the Rams, his toughness, experience, and consistency give him a high floor and dependable starting profile. With proper health management, Jackson should continue to be a reliable interior anchor capable of contributing to playoff-caliber offensive lines and providing leadership in the locker room.