Dolphins strengthen O-line, select Austin Jackson at No. 18

The Miami Dolphins made their second pick on Day 1 of the NFL draft and selected offensive tackle Austin Jackson out of USC at 18th overall.

Jackson, a left tackle in college, figures to pair with new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the foreseeable future.

The Dolphins acquired the No. 18 pick in their in-season trade of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Miami also owns the 26th overall pick, which it received when trading Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans.

Prospect Profile

School: USC
Height: 6-5
Weight: 322 lbs

Positives

• Projectable size and athleticism
• Good foot speed in pass sets and run game
• Lateral agility to mirror pass-rushers
• Athleticism to recover and fight through rep
• Climbs to second level and zeroes in on target

Negatives

• Inefficient angles into pass sets
• Wide hand placement gives defender leverage
• Gets caught overextending and bending at the waist
• Struggles to generate push in running game
• Needs to develop more functional strength

Bottom line

Jackson has plenty of tools you can't teach, highlighted by his foot speed, lateral agility, and overall athletic explosiveness. He needs some technical work, and adding strength would make him more consistently effective anchoring against power rushes and as a run-blocker. The raw traits are there, and with some development he'll have every opportunity to find work as a scheme-versatile long-term starter at either tackle spot.