Ja'Quinden Jackson RB Arkansas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Ja'Quinden Jackson RB Arkansas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 82.9 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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76% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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91% |
| Break Tackles: |
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78% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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65% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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50% |
| Run Blocking: |
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59% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#153
Position rank:
#16
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| College Games: 35 College Snaps: 968 | ||
ESPN RATING: 86/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 97/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brian Robinson Jr. - Alabama |
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83% |
| Audric Estime - Notre Dame |
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65% |
| Tank Bigsby - Auburn |
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63% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Ja'Quinden Jackson, a 6'2", 233-pound running back from Arkansas, has navigated a unique path to the NFL Draft. Hailing from Duncanville High School in Texas, Jackson was initially a four-star quarterback recruit who signed with the Texas Longhorns. After redshirting his freshman year, he transferred to Utah and transitioned to running back. Jackson's collegiate journey culminated with a final transfer to Arkansas for his redshirt senior season.At Utah, Jackson's production grew steadily. In 2023, he led the Utes with 797 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 161 carries. His season highlights included three 100-yard rushing performances, with a career-high 129 yards against Baylor. Jackson's size and power were evident in the Pac-12, where he consistently gained tough yardage in critical situations.
Jackson's versatility was on display throughout his college career. As a high school senior, he showcased dual-threat capabilities, passing for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,030 yards and 16 scores. At Arkansas, he continued to make an impact, becoming the first Razorback since 2015 to rush for a touchdown in five consecutive games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Bulldozing runner with a punishing downhill style, consistently moving the chains in short-yardage situations
- Demonstrates excellent contact balance, consistently breaking arm tackles and falling forward for extra yardage
- Shows surprising patience and vision for a converted quarterback, particularly in zone blocking schemes
- Possesses the ability to get skinny through gaps despite his size, turning shoulders to slip through tight spaces
- Natural field vision translates well from quarterback background, aiding in finding cutback lanes and reading blocks
- Powerful lower body allows him to churn through contact and pick up tough yards after initial contact
- Willing pass protector with the size and strength to match up against blitzing linebackers
- Versatility as a former quarterback could potentially add wrinkles to an NFL offense in special packages
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks true long speed to consistently threaten the edge or break off home runs at the NFL level
- Still raw in terms of overall feel for the running back position, occasionally struggling with timing and block reads
- Upright running style presents a larger target for defenders and may lead to unnecessary hits in the NFL
- Limited experience and production as a receiver out of the backfield (only 14 receptions in 2023)
- Pass protection technique needs refinement despite willingness and physical tools to excel in this area
Scouting Report: Summary
Jackson's toolkit aligns well with the demands of a power-based NFL rushing attack. His bruising running style and ability to move the chains make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a complement to their feature back. While he may not possess elite breakaway speed, Jackson's combination of size, vision, and evolving skills as a runner could earn him opportunities in short-yardage and goal-line situations early in his career.The former quarterback's transition to running back is still a work in progress, presenting both challenges and upside. His raw tools suggest potential as a punishing runner between the tackles, but refining his pad level and developing a more diverse skill set in the passing game will be crucial for carving out a significant role at the next level. Teams will need to weigh Jackson's physical gifts against his relatively limited experience at the position.
Ultimately, Jackson profiles as a developmental power back with the potential to contribute in a committee approach. His unique background and physical traits make him an intriguing day three prospect for teams willing to invest in his growth.
How other scouting services rate Ja'Quinden Jackson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
203.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
26.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.