Alabama Football 2016 NFL Draft Profiles: Dominick Jackson

Dominick Jackson

Position: Tackle/Guard

Pro Day Height/ Weight: 6' 5", 313 pounds

40 Yard Dash Time: 4.97-5.25, 5.12 (actual)

Bench Press Reps (of 225 lbs): 20

Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Vertical Jump: 26"

Broad Jump: 8' 01"

Short/ Long Shuttle: *

3-Cone Drill: *

2015 Season: Started 15 games for the Crimson Tide, tallying 48 knockdowns, allowed four sacks (only two in SEC play.)

Strengths: Dominick Jackson is a very good athlete, impressing scouts with his speed, particularly under 10- and 20-yards. Maintains excellent pad level and his long arms and quick feet permitted him to corral two defenders at once. Jackson has great upper body strength and lower body thickness. Projects as both a tackle and guard at the next level. Has the fantastic mean streak you'd normally associate with an interior lineman.

Weaknesses: Jackson has a tendency to open his hips, reducing his effectiveness as a pass blocker. He has been criticized for not driving as much as you'd want to see for a guy with his power; many note his tendency to engage defenders rather than push into the second level. Pass blocking was a concern, some of which is attributable to not getting square with the line, but some of these issues also seem to arise from boredom or inattention (especially noticeable mental lapses versus the inferior competition of Louisiana-Monroe and Middle Tennessee State.)

Verdict: At San Mateo, NFL scouts drooled over Jackson. When engaged, and mechanically sound, he can be a fantastic linemen, and certainly a starter at the pro level. Overall, he excelled in big games: Against the ferocious pass rushes of Texas A&M, Tennessee, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Auburn, and LSU, Jackson allowed zero sacks and just two hurries. He is a very physical, athletic player with the potential to move inside or outside. Mechanics are Jackson's biggest issue. Like the man he protected, Jake Coker, Jackson only had one year of starting experience against elite competition, so coaching will only help him clean up those issues.

Predicted Round: In a league where all 53 players on the roster have to provide value, an athletic versatile offensive lineman is not to be despised. Jackson may start his career on the bench, but the potential is there to be an NFL starter in some capacity. We think Dominick lands in the 5th round, and no lower than 6th.