Austin Jackson, the Miami Dolphins 18th overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft has signed a 4-year $13.6 million contract. As per the rookie pay-scale, the 4-year deal has a team option for a fifth year. Jackson becomes the 9th Dolphin draft pick to sign his rookie deal.
Jackson, who played mostly left tackle at USC, is projected to move to right tackle for the Dolphins, where he will be expected to protect new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in future years. The 6 ‘6″ 310 pounds lineman was the fifth offensive lineman taken in the draft.
Jackson has a chance to start day one for the Dolphins, whose offensive line has been much maligned over the last five or more seasons. Strengthened in the summer with the signings of Ereck Flowers (guard) and Ted Karras (center) the unit still needs some work.
Austin Jackson likely to move to right tackle
Fellow draftee Robert Hunt is expected to compete for the right guard spot in camp, with Jackson likely the candidate for the right tackle spot currently occupied by Jesse Davis. Jackson is somewhat raw and needs a lot of work on his technique as he has a tendency to overbalance.
However, he has a very high potential ceiling owing to his strength and athleticism and at just 21-years-old he is still a very young prospect. With 39 games under his belt at USC, Austin Jackson has good experience for a young guy and will be expected to protect the blind-side of Dolphins QB of the future Tua Tagovailoa.
The signing of Jackson leaves just Noah Igbinoghene and Robert Hunt unsigned of the Dolphins 2020 draft picks.
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