Florida State University offensive lineman Tre' Jackson is set to join the New England Patriots after being taken with the No. 111 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Hardy was a multiyear starter for the Seminoles and a team captain during the 2014 Senior Bowl.
NFL Draft results 2015: Tre’ Jackson to Patriots in 4th
Tre’ Jackson lands with the Patriots in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
A massive guard, Jackson is one of several members of the Florida State offensive line in this year's draft class. Along with Cameron Erving and Bobby Hart, Jackson enabled quarterback Jameis Winston to win the Heisman Trophy in 2013. That year, the offense finished second in points and the team won the National Championship.
Jackson’s game is all about power and leverage. A better run blocker than pass protector, he bullies defenders when he gets his hands on them. Jackson immediately drives them off the ball and often into the ground. He is rarely caught off balance and was one of the more consistent blockers along the Seminoles’ offensive line.
But Jackson comes with flaws as well. He’s a sub-par athlete, even for the position. His weight was a problem at Florida State and it affects his quickness. When pass rushers get to his shoulder, there’s little Jackson can do to slow their progress. Accordingly, he’s a poor fit for zone-blocking schemes.
Jackson didn’t perform in every drill at the combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.52 seconds, which was one of the slowest times of any player. His jumps were also subpar; Jackson leaped 25” in the vertical and 96” in the broad.
In his college career, Jackson started 42 games. He was also named a first-team All-ACC member in back-to-back years and a unanimous All-American in 2014.
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