Player Profile: Gabe Jackson

Height:  6'3
Weight:  339
School:  Mississippi State
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #2 Guard
Projection:  Top 40

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game since his freshman year.
-Battle tested.  Faced off against NFL talent game in and game out in the SEC
-Has the ideal frame of an NFL Guard
-Very aggressive firing off the ball.  Wants to take the contact to you
-Powerful blocker who overwhelms defenders and moves them off their spot
-Does a good job of blocking in the open field.  Both at the next level and in pulling
-Possesses a strong punch that can jolt a defender back
-Strong anchor that makes it difficult to bull rush.  Able to sink his hips quickly if getting pushed back
-Quick feet allow him to slide side to side to handle pass rushers
-Does a good job of passing defenders off and adjusting to the rush
-Uses his hands well to keep defenders off his body
-Scheme flexible.  Can play in either zone or man blocking schemes

Weaknesses
-Could stand to reshape his body and drop some weight.  Should be better around 315-320.
-Stamina.  Wears down as the games on
-Doesn't always keep his feet moving when blocking.  Leads to stalling out on some blocks
-Can look hesitant at times.
-Will overextend and lunge at times in pass protection.  Causes him to lose balance
-Isn't a nasty blocker that some want out of their interior lineman

Summary
Gabe Jackson is a very talented guard prospect that is going to excite many teams.  But to most he gets lost in the shuffle because his team struggled throughout the 2013 season.  However that doesn't take away from the talent Jackson possesses.  He's at his best in pass protection where he uses his long arms and strong punch to keep defenders at bay.  Jackson's lateral agility allow him to mirror the pass rushers and keep the pocket clean.  Jackson also excels in the run game where he explodes of the ball and can really be a mauler.  But his biggest weakness is his feet.  Jackson doesn't always keep his feet moving which causes him to stall out on blocks.  If he can get that fixed he should become an even better blocker in both the run game an pass protection.  Gabe Jackson is my second rated guard in this class and is nipping on the heels of Zach Martin.  He could go in the first round, but he's more likely to go somewhere in round two.