Gabe Jackson

While Jackson possesses many of the physical traits that scouts are looking for, questions linger about his true value at this point because he hasn't always played with enough explosiveness or control. He is quick off the snap but has struggled at times to temper his aggression and will allow his technique to get a bit sloppy as a result. Jackson's size and athleticism will surely intrigue NFL scouts working for zone blocking clubs, as he has all the tools to be an impact and even dominant force both at the line of scrimmage as well as down field.

compares to

Larry Warford, Guard, Detroit Lions - Jackson's rare and surprising combination of size, quickness and power should remind a lot of scouts of the 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Warford.

strengths

Demonstrates not only the raw power expected of a man of his size but also surprisingly nimble feet and balance while in pass protection, to mirror quick rushers.

jackson plays with excellent knee bend and has long arms, which help him stay square and in control of his opponent in pass pro. he's a powerful drive blocker who uses his natural leverage advantage well, showing good leg drive to push defenders off the ball.

Despite his girth, Jackson shows good lateral agility and balance to find fits at the second level. Defenders are seldom able to disengage once Jackson locks in. Is not satisfied with simply occupying space, and prides himself on pancaking and rag-doll'ing opponents. Does a nice job of absorbing the bull rush with his lower half, and rarely surrenders more than a step or two before resetting and anchoring. Comes off the snap quickly and gets up to speed quickly when asked to pull.

weaknesses

Doesn't appear quite as comfortable in space, particularly when headhunting at the second level, as he struggles to break down and redirect with suddenness. Is slow to go vertical when navigating through "trash" and will get tangled up. Tends to zone in when competing one-on-one, and will lose awareness of his surroundings at times. Drops his head and throws himself at defenders too often, and will get caught over-extending in pass protection.

like the former kentucky wildcat, jackson possesses the power to dominate opponents physically, while displaying quickness and fluidity to wall off the interior pass rush, and exhibits the burst and awareness to get down field and block for the run.

Look for teams to value Jackson higher than they did Warford, after the 2013 3rd round selection took the league by storm last season, with many of the same traits.

Ranked as the No. 52 offensive tackle prospect in the country by recruiting website Scout.com . . . Considered the third-best offensive lineman in Mississippi by Scout.com, which credits him with a 5.1-second time in the 40-yard dash . . . Rivals.com had him ranked as the No. 85 offensive tackle prospect in the nation . . . That site also has him ranked as the No. 28 prospect in the state of Mississippi, the fourth-best offensive lineman on the chart . . . Rated with the top 40 high school prospects in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger following his senior season . . . Has started both ways at tackle since his freshman season . . . Other top scholarship offers: LSU, Auburn, and Ole Miss . . . Solid 2.8 grade point average in the high school classroom . . . Committed to MSU in July 2008.

Born Gabriel C. Jackson on July 12, 1991 . . . Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jackson . . . His father was his high school coach.