Austin Jackson spent time at left tackle and left guard before settling in at right tackle.
Austin Jackson inked a three-year contract extension to hold down Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 2020 first-round pick. He began his career at left tackle and spent time at left guard before settling in at right tackle.
In his fourth season with the Miami Dolphins, Jackson, 25, turned the corner, allowing one or fewer quarterback pressures in 12 of his 16 starts last season. The former USC Trojan is gearing up for year five and shared some advice for rookie Patrick Paul just days after he was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I would just say keep a sense of urgency and stay hungry,” Jackson said Tuesday while talking with the media. ”Most definitely, especially while you’re young. The league moves fast and if you’re not trying to get on top of it, you’re falling behind, meaning every day is a day to get better.”
Paul, 22, was a two-time captain at Houston and allowed just one sack throughout his 469 snaps as a junior. Unlike Jackson, he won’t be thrown into the fire and forced to start early in his rookie season. Additionally, he’ll learn from a pair of true professionals at left tackle in Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm.
While Paul begins the year buried on the depth chart, Jackson said it best — the league moves fast. Next season is Lamm’s last ride. Armstead has started 23 games over two seasons since arriving in Miami.
A path to playing time might not be clear in April, but a 6’7” Hulk at left tackle could be just what the Dolphins need come December.