2020 NFL Mock Draft: Dueling GMs mock sees Redskins make big move
By Ian Cummings
31. player. 42. . Offensive Tackle. San Francisco 49ers. Austin Jackson
Jacob: After selecting Jerry Jeudy earlier, the 49ers don’t have many glaring needs. They could use a cornerback. Or a replacement for DeForest Buckner. But there’s no better player available than Austin Jackson.
Jackson was once considered to be a potential top-10 pick in this draft class. However, his early-season play for USC caused him to slip a bit as he struggled before ultimately getting his feet under him.
That said, the reasons for his struggles are not only explainable, but they also demonstrate a young man of great character.
Jackson donated bone marrow to his sister, Autumn, who suffers from a rare genetic disease, ahead of his senior year with the Trojans. Though Jackson had the surgery in the summer, he still returned to play in the Trojans’ first game despite still working his way back from the procedure. It’s a pretty incredible story and one that he deserves recognition for.
Beyond that, Jackson is a solid, athletic tackle with a well-built 6-foot-5, 322-pound frame. He needs to work on his technique a bit, but that’s why landing in San Francisco would be such a good spot for him.
The 49ers already have two strong starting tackles in Joe Staley and former first-round pick Mike McGlinchey. Jackson could come in and compete for the swing tackle role with Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill, and Shon Coleman and even if he doesn’t win it, it would give him extra time to develop. It’s also worth noting that one of those linemen could challenge for a starting spot at right guard, vacated by the recently released Mike Person. So, that could thin out the competition for Jackson a bit.
Either way, Jackson has upside and could be a strong starting tackle one day. With Staley turning 36 in August, the 49ers need to start thinking about a long-term successor for him. Jackson could be just that and would provide valuable depth for the 49ers in the meantime.