Donovan Jackson in rd1.

[Jpoore]

Need to have this conversation. Was always a dream 2nd round pick but after he dominated in the cfp playoffs at left tackle no less zero chance to makes it to rd2 let along our pick in rd2. How would you feel is he was the pick at 17?

Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the CFP —

• Tennessee: 34 pass pro snaps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 1 pressure

• Oregon: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Texas: 38 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Notre Dame: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

?126 pass pro snaps, 1 pressure. Top 20 lock in April

[*ochocincos*]

(01-21-2025, 06:52 PM)Jpoore Wrote: Need to have this conversation. Was always a dream 2nd round pick but after he dominated in the cfp playoffs at left tackle no less zero chance to makes it to rd2 let along our pick in rd2. How would you feel is he was the pick at 17?

Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the CFP —

• Tennessee: 34 pass pro snaps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 1 pressure

• Oregon: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Texas: 38 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Notre Dame: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

?126 pass pro snaps, 1 pressure. Top 20 lock in April

Jackson is a great option if thinking to go the Whitworth route for him.

While OBJ is under contract, Jackson could man the LG spot, and do it very well for 2 years.
Then he could potentially shift to LT after OBJ's contract is up.

[SunsetBengal]

I could be very happy with that selection, mainly for all of the same reasons that Ochocincos laid out. However, it really puts the pressure on to hit on defensive picks in rounds 2 and 3, which will be tough with all of the premium talent going in the 1st round. For example if Deone Walker were sitting there, he would be a perfect addition to what we have and who we drafted last year.

[BFritz21]

(01-21-2025, 07:43 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I could be very happy with that selection, mainly for all of the same reasons that Ochocincos laid out. However, it really puts the pressure on to hit on defensive picks in rounds 2 and 3, which will be tough with all of the premium talent going in the 1st round. For example if Deone Walker were sitting there, he would be a perfect addition to what we have and who we drafted last year.

Same thoughts I have.

Burrow had an MVP type of season and we were one game from the playoffs with the 29th raked pass blocking offensive line, so imagine if we improve the line and then just shore up our defense.


Hopefully we can find some good defensive tackles and nose tackles to at least make our IDL able to slow teams down and then also some guys in the secondary, but let's also hope that we are active in free agency to bring in some quality vets so we're not relying on all rookies.

[Jpoore]

(01-21-2025, 07:43 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I could be very happy with that selection, mainly for all of the same reasons that Ochocincos laid out. However, it really puts the pressure on to hit on defensive picks in rounds 2 and 3, which will be tough with all of the premium talent going in the 1st round. For example if Deone Walker were sitting there, he would be a perfect addition to what we have and who we drafted last year.

I’m loving the defensive talent. I’m seeing in rds 2-3. Although I’m not sure I see Jackson as a LT? But I’m seeing watts right around where we pick in rd2 as well as Derick Harmon in rd3

[Whatever]

I like Jackson as a prospect. I just don't like him enough to take him at 17. There's going to be he better prospects available there.

I'm impressed by what he's done during his time at LT, but I gotta take the CFP with a grain of salt because Pearce was the only only draftable edge he faced from this class. Honestly, from a scouting perspective, I'd have rather seen him at G and facing off with Norman-Lott(Tennessee), Harmon/Burch(Oregon), Collins(Texas), and Cross(ND).

Another thing is that it's tough to spend back to back first rounders on the same position group. You usually like to spread the wealth a bit more.

[*Synric*]

(01-22-2025, 10:25 AM)Whatever Wrote: I like Jackson as a prospect.  I just don't like him enough to take him at 17.  There's going to be he better prospects available there.  

I'm impressed by what he's done during his time at LT, but I gotta take the CFP with a grain of salt because Pearce was the only only draftable edge he faced from this class.  Honestly, from a scouting perspective, I'd have rather seen him at G and facing off with Norman-Lott(Tennessee), Harmon/Burch(Oregon), Collins(Texas), and Cross(ND).

Another thing is that it's tough to spend back to back first rounders on the same position group.  You usually like to spread the wealth a bit more.

Donovan Jackson is putting himself into blue chip prospect territory. He might be a guard only prospect but the adjustment to his technique after just one poor showing at Tackle (vs Penn State) was one of the most impressive things I seen in college football this season. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(01-21-2025, 06:52 PM)Jpoore Wrote: Need to have this conversation. Was always a dream 2nd round pick but after he dominated in the cfp playoffs at left tackle no less zero chance to makes it to rd2 let along our pick in rd2. How would you feel is he was the pick at 17?

Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the CFP —

• Tennessee: 34 pass pro snaps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 1 pressure

• Oregon: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Texas: 38 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Notre Dame: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

?126 pass pro snaps, 1 pressure. Top 20 lock in April

I love the player. Like you, I was hoping he'd be a Rd2 option, but our 5 game winning streak and his awesome play makes it doubtful he's there at #49. 

For me, if the all the legit Rd1 guys I like are unavailable (Hunter, Carter, Johnson, Graham, Banks, Campbell, Walker, Starks, Warren), then I think taking Jackson is just as solid as any other move we could make at that point (Scourton, Grant, Nolen, Campbell, Simmons, Revel, Morrison, Loveland). 

Note: I am out on McMillan/Burden as I am assuming Tee is back and also on M. Williams, who looks a better athlete than football player. Toolsy underachiever is not what I want at #17. 

Having said that, I do not really want to wait until the draft to fix IOL. I'd go hard at Teven Jenkins AND a RG FA (Smith, Fries, Daniels, Zeitler, Becton) as my top priorities in FA. I think the class at guard is better than DT or DE. 

If I whiff on Jenkins, then LG is an issue. And I'd be overjoyed with Jackson. 

[Whatever]

(01-22-2025, 11:39 AM)Synric Wrote: Donovan Jackson is putting himself into blue chip prospect territory. He might be a guard only prospect but the adjustment to his technique after just one poor showing at Tackle (vs Penn State) was one of the most impressive things I seen in college football this season. 

I don't think the value is there if he's considered a G only.  G only is a tough sell in Round 1 just because you don't have the opportunity to move him to another position if he fails.  For another, even if he's Thuney 2.0, he won't get a second contract here, especially coming a year after presumably paying Mims.  

If you see him sliding to LT to replace Brown, then it makes more sense.  

[*ochocincos*]

(01-21-2025, 07:43 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I could be very happy with that selection, mainly for all of the same reasons that Ochocincos laid out. However, it really puts the pressure on to hit on defensive picks in rounds 2 and 3, which will be tough with all of the premium talent going in the 1st round. For example if Deone Walker were sitting there, he would be a perfect addition to what we have and who we drafted last year.

I think the same, but if they are properly active in FA, I think they can get some good defensive starters that way, which would allow for more time for the mid-round picks to develop if need be.

1st rounder really has to be someone who plays significant snaps in 2025 though.
I can't remember which of the Bengals writers or whoever mentioned it (I think Joe Goodberry), but it's something that is very important to a team like the Bengals to get some boosted performance in the very next season when they aren't usually one of those most-active/big-spender teams in FA.

[*ochocincos*]

(01-22-2025, 12:24 PM)Whatever Wrote: I don't think the value is there if he's considered a G only.  G only is a tough sell in Round 1 just because you don't have the opportunity to move him to another position if he fails.  For another, even if he's Thuney 2.0, he won't get a second contract here, especially coming a year after presumably paying Mims.  

If you see him sliding to LT to replace Brown, then it makes more sense.  

IMO we need to stop worrying about whether a 1st round pick is going to be someone they sign to a veteran long-term deal if they're too good.

If anything, Bengals will still get 5 years out of them, which is better than these 2-year or 3-year deals they typically do for veterans.
And they can (and likely would) franchise tag at least one year if need be, if not two.

[Luvnit2]

(01-21-2025, 06:52 PM)Jpoore Wrote: Need to have this conversation. Was always a dream 2nd round pick but after he dominated in the cfp playoffs at left tackle no less zero chance to makes it to rd2 let along our pick in rd2. How would you feel is he was the pick at 17?

Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the CFP —

• Tennessee: 34 pass pro snaps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 1 pressure

• Oregon: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Texas: 38 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

• Notre Dame: 27 pps, 0 sacks, 0 hurries, 0 pressures

?126 pass pro snaps, 1 pressure. Top 20 lock in April

Impressive

We have not valued the OG position for too long. I am not big on plug and play OL due to them not being developed physically to compete against 30 year old men. But always exceptions and Jackson very well be a major upgrade over Cappa (cut him if we draft Jackson)

How many NFL ready plug and players will be available at 17?
I am not sure, but I hope we get one of them.

IN my opinion, we need to address the DL in FA, cut Hubbard and Rankins and replace with better options. This would free us up to focus on guard, TE (love Warren) or WR (EE from OSU ready) or even a player like Starks, safety from Georgia drops.

I do like Jackson seems to have the ability to play OT and OG. The versatility is needed as most teams have to navigate injuries on the OL.

[3wt]

(01-21-2025, 07:09 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Jackson is a great option if thinking to go the Whitworth route for him.

While OBJ is under contract, Jackson could man the LG spot, and do it very well for 2 years.
Then he could potentially shift to LT after OBJ's contract is up.

I like the short term solution combined with a long term option.

Praying we can get some significant defensive help in the second round.  That will also be dependent on getting more of an IOL upgrade in FA.  We need two strong upgrades at guard.

[*Synric*]

(01-22-2025, 12:24 PM)Whatever Wrote: I don't think the value is there if he's considered a G only.  G only is a tough sell in Round 1 just because you don't have the opportunity to move him to another position if he fails.  For another, even if he's Thuney 2.0, he won't get a second contract here, especially coming a year after presumably paying Mims.  

If you see him sliding to LT to replace Brown, then it makes more sense.  

What Donovan Jackson did this year is on par with Tyler Warren and OL is a need across the league. I think he is a Guard only prospect but you never know a team might give him a shot at Tackle. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes top 20. We are starting to see Armond Membou in the top 15 because teams NEED Tackles lol. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(01-22-2025, 02:33 PM)Synric Wrote: What Donovan Jackson did this year is on par with Tyler Warren and OL is a need across the league. I think he is a Guard only prospect but you never know a team might give him a shot at Tackle. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes top 20. We are starting to see Armond Membou in the top 15 because teams NEED Tackles lol. 

I think it is likely Jackson is there. Highly unlikely he goes top 16. But not impossible. 

Again, I do not want to risk it. I think the FA classes at G, S, & LB are all better that DT/DE. 

As for re0lacing Cappa, Alex is RG and Jackson has been a left sided guy LG/LT, so he is likely not a Cappa replacement, he is a Ford/Volson replacement. 

[Whatever]

(01-22-2025, 01:03 PM)ochocincos Wrote: IMO we need to stop worrying about whether a 1st round pick is going to be someone they sign to a veteran long-term deal if they're too good.

If anything, Bengals will still get 5 years out of them, which is better than these 2-year or 3-year deals they typically do for veterans.
And they can (and likely would) franchise tag at least one year if need be, if not two.

G is a very different position when talking about this philosophy.

If you're spending a 1st on a G, they need to be a cornerstone of your OL for 10+ years just due to the position having very little impact compared to other positions.  Name a G that's transformed a team into a playoff contender.  I can't think of one.  The reason you would go for one is to have long term stability.  Just drafting one to "fill a hole" isn't logical, especially when you consider OL have a steep learning curve coming into the NFL.  It may take a year or two for the guy to start playing at above replacement level starter capacity.

[Whatever]

(01-22-2025, 02:33 PM)Synric Wrote: What Donovan Jackson did this year is on par with Tyler Warren and OL is a need across the league. I think he is a Guard only prospect but you never know a team might give him a shot at Tackle. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes top 20. We are starting to see Armond Membou in the top 15 because teams NEED Tackles lol. 

They do, no doubt.  But that speaks more to need and the lack of OL talent in this class than these guys being can't miss prospects.  

It's kind of the eternal struggle with draft sure big boards.  It's often not how good the prospect is, but rather where they think he'll be drafted.  That's why they fluctuate so much at the combine when guys start hearing where teams are ranking them.

[SunsetBengal]

(01-22-2025, 02:49 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: I think it is likely Jackson is there. Highly unlikely he goes top 16. But not impossible. 

Again, I do not want to risk it. I think the FA classes at G, S, & LB are all better that DT/DE. 

As for re0lacing Cappa, Alex is RG and Jackson has been a left sided guy LG/LT, so he is likely not a Cappa replacement, he is a Ford/Volson replacement. 

Donovan Jackson was the starter at RG in 2022 for the Buckeyes.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

Yes, Donovan Jackson has screamed up the Draft board after switching to LT and being dominant against the best in the CFP.

All for him at 17 now, start him at LG as a rookie and he can move to LT once Orlando's contract is up. Sounds like a solid plan to me.

[Luvnit2]

(01-22-2025, 02:50 PM)Whatever Wrote: G is a very different position when talking about this philosophy.

If you're spending a 1st on a G, they need to be a cornerstone of your OL for 10+ years just due to the position having very little impact compared to other positions.  Name a G that's transformed a team into a playoff contender.  I can't think of one.  The reason you would go for one is to have long term stability.  Just drafting one to "fill a hole" isn't logical, especially when you consider OL have a steep learning curve coming into the NFL.  It may take a year or two for the guy to start playing at above replacement level starter capacity.

Joe Thuney is a huge part of KC's super bowl wins. He is LG who has been playing LT again (I say again as he plays there when the LT was injured or not playing well in the past).

This past year Smith the RG for KC was also all pro and they have an all-pro center in Creed Humphreys. 

Interior OL are huge and anyone watching our team the past year and seeing Cappa and Volson get beat quickly should see the problem. How good could our offense be with very good to great OG play?