2020 NFL Draft: Free agency, big trades shake up 2-round mock draft
Scouting Report. OT. Austin Jackson. 18. player. 59. Pick Analysis. USC
The Miami Dolphins are here for what appears to be the first really big reach of the 2020 NFL Draft, but it’s something they might have to do.
Depending on who you ask, Austin Jackson is either a top 20 player in this class or he’s a sure-fire second-round player who has too much developing to do in order to be a top 20 pick.
After watching the top tackles come off the board already, the Dolphins have to act accordingly and get the player at pick 18 (or move up again) they feel can best protect Tua Tagovailoa. At left tackle, Jackson would not function as a blindside protector with the Dolphins because Tagovailoa is a left-handed quarterback, so perhaps the Dolphins will favor the top right tackles in this class like Tagovailoa’s teammate Jedrick Wills.
If that’s the case, a trade up will be necessary.
Having two good tackles is imperative in today’s game, however, so the Dolphins have to start somewhere.
Jackson is athletic, long, and looks like he has a ton of upside as a pass protector. He struggled some with the relentless effort of AJ Epenesa in USC’s bowl game, but there were some reps in that game where Jackson had his way as well. He’s going to be a good pro, but this might be a hard pick for Dolphins fans to stomach right away.