Three Offensive Tackles The Cincinnati Bengals can Target in Round 2

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

In terms of playing style, Austin Jackson is at the opposite end of the spectrum when compared to Becton. Jackson, who brings a 6’6″, 310-pound frame to the table, is expected to be among one of the more athletic offensive tackles in this draft class.

The thing that sticks out most about Jackson is his length. NFL scouts typically put a big emphasis on long arms in offensive tackles because it helps diffuse edge rushers who have a lot of bend. This is an attribute coaching staff should be prioritizing to add along the right side of their offensive line to slow down some of the AFC North’s best. Jackson certainly has the ability to provide that.

The former Trojan fits the mold the Cincinnati Bengal’s front office has targeted recently in early rounds. His speed and balance are natural and give him the ability to pass protect well. He needs work in run blocking, but he has the attributes that can’t be taught. With the proper development, he has as high of an upside as many of the other tackles in this class.

Come April, Jackson will follow in his grandfather’s footsteps to become the second in his family to dawn an NFL uniform. Don’t be surprised if it’s for Cincinnati.