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The guard position doesn't get much publicity in football, but a stud is making his way to the NFL and he's universally known in the college landscape. FSU OG Tre' Jackson is one of the multitalented interior lineman in the draft and has a resume littered with awards and recognition.
The journey to being one of FSU's top talents initiated in the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl after coming off the bench most of his freshman season as a 3-star prospect. Jackson cemented his place in the trenches for the Seminoles who saw a horde of talent making the leap to the NFL from 2012 to his senior year. While his counterparts heard their names called in the draft, Jackson inherited as much college experience possible to earn his title as anchor.
He dominated the opposition repeatedly his senior season tallying multiple grades of 90 or higher as an O-Lineman. His quality production allowed Jackson to enter the draft as one of the highest rated guards in the draft. He participated in the 2015 Senior Bowl, winning the MVP award for his South team, and displayed his physical ability at the Combine
The FSU product only competed in three drills, but showed enough athleticism in the 6'4, 330-pound frame to prevent a slip on draft boards.
Pros
Jackson has a gargantuan frame to move around in the trenches and possesses quality athletic ability. He uses power and technique to pave holes for his running backs and is a plus blocker in the run game.
While not as adapt in pass pro, he's still a reliable athlete who can match up to interior pass rushers. Jackson also smothers second level defenders as one of the most athletic O-Lineman for the Noles last season.
The accolades obtained over the years illustrates his low floor as a prospect and should be an instant starter wherever he lands.
Cons
Serving on arguably the top front line in the nation, Jackson, at times, seemed to lose focus in pass protection and looked to be playing on an island while Winston was pressured. Conditioning is an issue for the big man who has all the athletic potential in the world if he's willing to put in the work. Luckily, that's been the case.
Looks like Tre Jackson is working with @OLineWorld65. That's the best business decision he ever made. LB will fix the weight/conditioning
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 24, 2015
His production was sporadic his senior year as scouts questioned the week-to-week dominance he is capable of. At the next level he'll have to convince whoever he's drafted to that he'll bring it on every play in the preseason.
Jackson solely played RG in his four seasons at FSU while Cam Erving shifted all over showing his versatility. This isn't a serious issue but his ceiling could be a floor higher if he could offer the ability to play multiple positions at the next level.
Conclusion
Staying on that topic, Jackson has been tested at positions on the O-Line other than RG in the offseason.
Tre Jackson working with a Chargers coach at center #FSUproday pic.twitter.com/0FyEKpdcgd
— Travis Register (@travreg) March 31, 2015
He has met with San Diego, New England and Tampa Bay, among others. All three of those teams could insert Jackson into that RG slot and get an impact starter day one in the trenches. Jackson has garnered first round interest during the season, but his dominant, yet sporadic, play has moved him into early-2nd to early-3rd round consideration. Along with Josue Matias, Jackson should be a reliable interior lineman in the NFL who could produce for years.
He offers NFL teams a player with shelves full of hardware but has to tune his frame if he wants to earn more. Nonetheless, Tre' Jackson showed the natural ability at FSU and has the opportunity to star at the next level.