Just when you thought the offseason chatter couldn’t heat up any more, ESPN dropped another positional rankings bomb—this time zeroing in on offensive tackles. With training camp looming and rosters firming up, it’s no surprise that coaches, scouts, and league execs were all too eager to weigh in on who belongs among the elite big men up front.
And sure, the usual names made the cut—Tristan Wirfs holding it down for the Bucs, Detroit’s Penei Sewell earning deserved love, and the Chargers’ Rashawn Slater staying in the conversation. No shockers there. But like clockwork, every list invites a debate. And this time, that debate is coming in hot out of Los Angeles.
Let’s talk about the biggest snub in ESPN’s Top 10 Offensive Tackles for 2025: Alaric Jackson.
Yup, not an honorable mention. Not even a whisper in the “others receiving votes.” Nothing.
And that’s wild.
Here’s the reality: Jackson had a breakout year in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-7, 345-pound left tackle graded out as the 18th-best overall tackle out of 140. Not bad for a guy the league couldn’t even be bothered to acknowledge. And it wasn’t just a decent all-around performance—he was 19th in run blocking, 23rd in pass protection, and allowed only three sacks all season.
Want context? That’s five fewer sacks than Taylor Decker, who did appear on the list. And while we’re at it, Jackson also allowed fewer total pressures (22) than Baltimore’s Ronnie Stanley (35), another tackle that got a nod. Buffalo’s Spencer Brown made the cut too, but his overall grade (73.6) and pass-blocking grade (76.2) both fell short of Jackson’s numbers.
So what gives?
Let’s not forget Jackson’s discipline on the line. In a league where holding calls and false starts can kill drives, Jackson is a coach’s dream. The dude has only been flagged twice for holding in his entire NFL career. That’s right—two. And he’s only been called for five false starts. That kind of clean play doesn’t just help a QB sleep better at night—it wins games.
Speaking of QBs, let’s talk about the one who benefits most from Jackson’s presence: Matthew Stafford. With Jackson watching his blind side, Stafford stayed cleaner and more upright than most of his peers. When Jackson’s in the lineup, Stafford’s protection skyrockets, making Jackson arguably the second-most important player on the Rams’ offense after the Super Bowl-winning signal-caller.
And let’s talk about the journey here, because this wasn’t some first-round blue-chip lineman we’re discussing. Jackson entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021 out of Iowa. Since then, he’s clawed his way up from the bottom of the depth chart. His first two seasons saw limited action—just 12 appearances and six starts—but in the past two years, he’s started a whopping 29 games and has become a cornerstone on the Rams’ line.
🏈 Key Stats from 2024:
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3 sacks allowed
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22 pressures allowed
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4.5% pressure rate allowed (career-best)
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Higher grades than multiple ranked tackles
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Minimal penalties across career
That’s not just solid. That’s elite.
Now, of course, every story has its wrinkle. And for Jackson, that’s his health. Earlier this offseason, he was diagnosed with a blood clot, which could potentially impact his availability heading into the 2025 season. It’s a serious condition, and the Rams aren’t taking any chances—they signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries back in June as a precaution.
But here’s the thing—when Jackson is healthy, the Rams don’t just rely on him—they lean on him. Hard. He’s the anchor of that offensive front, a reliable and intelligent blocker who doesn’t beat himself and rarely lets his QB take unnecessary punishment.
And yet… not a single vote?
It’s puzzling. Especially when you consider how these rankings are formed. ESPN didn’t just wing it—they surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts. The very people who should know how important it is to have a guy like Jackson protecting the edge. It’s not like he’s some hidden gem flying under the radar anymore. In February, the Rams gave him a 3-year, $57 million extension. That’s not just money—that’s a message. A message that screams, “You are our guy.”
So how did none of those league insiders even mention his name?
Maybe it's the classic case of reputation lagging behind performance. Sometimes, if a player doesn’t have that high-profile pedigree or isn’t playing on national TV every week, he just doesn’t get the buzz—even when the tape and the analytics back him up.
And to be fair, with Jackson’s health still a question mark, maybe some execs didn’t want to jump the gun. But even then, to be completely absent from the conversation feels more like negligence than caution.
📌 Here’s What Alaric Jackson Brings to the Table:
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Size and athleticism that’s ideal for a left tackle
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Exceptional discipline with few penalties
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Efficient pass protection against top-tier edge rushers
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Run game reliability
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A massive contract signaling team belief
So let’s set the record straight. Whether or not he starts the 2025 season immediately due to health, Alaric Jackson has earned his place among the league’s best tackles. You don’t just stumble into a PFF top-20 ranking at one of the most demanding positions in the game. You grind for that. You dominate for that.
The Rams see it. Stafford knows it. And when Jackson’s on the field, opposing defenders feel it.
Let’s hope that by the time next year’s rankings drop, the league finally gives the man the respect he deserves. Because snubbing Jackson in 2025? That’s just bad football IQ.
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