LA Rams: 2020 NFL Draft – post Cooks trade Mock Draft 7.1

LA Rams select Austin Jackson, OT USC

Austin Jackson is the player taken as the 52nd overall pick in the draft. Jackson played collegiately at the University of Southern California. He stands  6-feet-5 weighing 322 pounds. Jackson is your prototypical blindside tackle.

This big tackle showcased his speed and athleticism at the NFL Combine in February. He ran a 5.07-second 40-yard dash. Jackson bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times. He vertically leaped 31 inches and broad jumped 115 inches. Jackson is very athletic.

The scouting website, thedraftnetwork.com, gives a glowing report about his attributes. Here is a brief snippet:

"Has the foot speed to spring out of his stance and challenge speed rushers’ landmarks around the edge. … keeping rushers at the edge of his reach and working them well beyond the peak of the pocket. Punch is quick and efficient in pass pro and he generally does a great job of widening his opponents track to the quarterback. Has the lateral movement skills and length to find success as a zone blocker. … Frame has plenty of room to develop and get stronger…"

LA envisions Jackson as Andrew Whitworth’s future replacement at left tackle. Jackson needs time to get acclimated to the speed of the pro game. He might become the next Jackie Slater or Orlando Pace.

The Rams next pick of the 2020 NFL Draft …