Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Perceived lack of ideal NFL height and arm length, potentially limiting effectiveness against taller linemen.
• Inconsistent use of hands in pass-rushing, often allowing offensive linemen to initiate contact.
• Struggles with maintaining a wide base against the run, which can compromise his ability to counteract pressure.
• Experiences difficulty in anchor positioning and block deconstruction, varying from premature to delayed engagement.
• Occasional overcommitment to run plays, leading to early gap abandonment and assignment mistakes.

Scouting Report: Summary

McKinnley Jackson checks in as a promising yet raw talent for the NFL trenches, flashing the kind of quick first-step and bulldozer strength that gets scouts on the edge of their seats. His tenure at Texas A&M revealed a player who can split double team and drive back the pocket with a blend of power and quickness that's hard to come by. Jackson's motor is non-stop; he's a clean-up guy who thrives on hustle plays and has shown he can grow into a more formidable pass-rusher at the next level. However, his toolkit isn't without its missing pieces. The big man struggles with hand technique and lacks a killer move to consistently beat NFL-caliber linemen, something that will need addressing if he's to live up to his potential.

At times, he gets high in his stance, losing the leverage battle to more technically savvy blockers, and his base can narrow, making him vulnerable against the run—especially when he jumps gaps too early. These aren't just nitpicks; they're significant hurdles he'll need to clear to hold his own in the pros.

In sum, Jackson's draft journey is marked by a classic risk-reward calculation. With raw attributes that can't be taught and a work ethic that's as relentless as it is effective, he's got the makings of a defensive line stalwart. But to unlock his full potential and morph from a rotational piece into a day-one starter, he'll need to polish the rough edges of his game.