5 reasons why LA Rams signing UDFA OT Alaric Jackson is a big deal

III – Undervalued player

One of the struggles in any assessment of an ‘unknown’ is to apply the correct value. Based on what we witnessed from the LA Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear that the Personnel department was looking through a different lens than many other NFL analysts. But even the Rams advanced analytics and scouting department made what may have been the cardinal sin against Alaric Jackson. They allowed a less than stellar Senior Bow performance to eclipse years of great tape.

Well, in the draft at least.

Alaric Jackson is a solid size for an NFL offensive lineman at nearly 6-foot-6 and 321-pounds. And he has flashed the brilliance of a run blocker who will penetrate to knock down linebackers and defensive backs. He definitely shows eliteness at the run blocking aspects of blocking.

He comes from the Iowa football program, home to Tristan Wirfs, Brandon Scherff, and Marshall Yanda. Is he the next NFL offensive lineman who will launch a noteworthy NFL career from his Hawkeye background? The Rams hope so. And Jackson has already made the changes to be quicker and leaner for his NFL playing days.

That’s a huge lifestyle change, one that was prompted by a slower-than-hoped-for recovery after his 2019 injury. With the resources now available to him through the LA Rams, he will be at the top of his game.