Let’s keep it real—NFL dreams are low-key made at the Combine, but they can also get crushed just as fast. One bad drill, one shaky rep, and suddenly, you go from first-round lock to a “maybe second, probably third” type of guy. That’s exactly the situation Donovan Jackson finds himself in after what should have been a routine showcase turned into a bit of a medical red flag. But just when the Chiefs were eyeing him for a minute, the injury whispers started creeping in. And with Kansas City’s whole master plan hanging in the balance, things just got real interesting.
Ohio State’s offensive line was rock solid in 2024, and Jackson was a major reason for that. The man was a Swiss Army knife—typically a guard—but had to shift to tackle when the Buckeyes’ O-line started dropping like flies. And he didn’t just hold it down; he dominated. His performance helped lead Ohio State to a national championship, proving that he could play wherever you needed him. So when he pulled up to the Combine, folks expected a show. At 6’3.5, 315 lbs, Jackson had the perfect frame. And his footwork in the wave drill had scouts nodding in approval. But then, something seemed… off.
Donovan Jackson is pro ready and has a high ceiling.
Came in at 6’3.5, 315 lbs, solid frame, and displays the exact bend/change of direction/footwork you want to see on the wave drill.
1st Round Talent at Guardpic.twitter.com/WwaEg5TP6K
— Andy (@CUandyy) March 2, 2025
Athletic trainers took a deep look as Jackson appeared to be battling an injury mid-workout. Social media hyped up his wave drill technique, but the real football heads? They noticed the struggle. “I think something may be a little bit off,” an NFL Network analyst pointed out. And just like that, the Chiefs’ master plan hit a snag. Kansas City needs help up front—badly. Their offensive line collapsed in the Super Bowl against the Eagles, allowing Mahomes to be sacked six times and pressured on 40.5% of his dropbacks. That’s not a winning formula. Protecting Mahomes is priority number one, and Kansas City had Jackson circled on their draft board. Now, with injury concerns creeping in, do they still roll the dice?
Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports had the Chiefs taking Jackson with the 31st pick in his mock draft, writing, “I feel like I’m morally obligated to give the Chiefs an offensive lineman after what happened in the Super Bowl against the Eagles. Donovan Jackson moved from guard to left tackle after Josh Simmons went down in October, and he was an invaluable part of Ohio State’s run to winning the College Football Playoff national championship. Regardless of where he lines up, he’ll help give Patrick Mahomes more time to work his magic.” Jackson’s versatility—having moved from guard to left tackle mid-season—was a big selling point. And let’s be real, the Chiefs need help at both spots. But with Mahomes’ protection on the line. Can they afford to take a risk on a guy who might not be at 100%?
Donovan Jackson’s switch from guard to tackle shakes up the draft
Jackson kept it simple when asked why he accepted the left tackle move last fall: “I just like winning more than anything else.” That’s a dog mentality right there. The switch wasn’t just a desperate fix for Ohio State—it might’ve been the best thing to happen to his draft stock. His ability to hold down both positions showcased his versatility. And in today’s NFL, teams love a lineman who can move around like a defensive lineman.
“I mean, I’ve played the position for a majority of my career,” Jackson said. “But a lot of teams had a good impression of me playing different positions.” Teams like Miami were already scouting him at the Combine, but the Chiefs have the biggest decision to make. Do they gamble on Jackson’s talent, banking on him returning to full health? Or do they look elsewhere for Mahomes’ next bodyguard?
Jackson’s ability to lock down the left side was literally put to the test, real quick. In his first game at tackle, he had to deal with Penn State’s Abdul Carter—one of the nastiest pass rushers in the draft and potential No.1 draft pick. Carter got him twice for sacks, but after that? Jackson locked in and never gave up another sack for the rest of the season. Over Ohio State’s final 8 games, including 4 in the College Football Playoff, he allowed just seven total pressures. That’s something the Kansas City Chiefs would love.
In one NFL Draft ranking, Jackson sits at No. 31 overall, right where the Chiefs would be picking. Some mock drafts have him going as high as No. 25 or 26. While others think he might slip into the second round. But here’s the real kicker—the Chiefs NEED to hit on this pick. After their Super Bowl loss, they placed the franchise tag on elite guard Trey Smith at $23.4 million and are now reportedly eyeing a trade-up for a left tackle. So if Jackson is sitting there at 31, do they make the move, or does his Combine injury scare them off?
With Mahomes at the helm, protecting him ain’t just important—it’s life or death for the Chiefs’ dynasty. And with Donovan Jackson. They’d be betting on a high-upside talent with the potential to anchor their line for years to come. The question is, will they take the risk or let another team snatch him up? The clock is ticking, and Kansas City’s master plan might just be hanging by a thread.
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