Rams' Alaric Jackson not viewed as one of the 24 best tackles by NFL coaches and execs

USA Today

15-07-2025

Despite a strong 2024 season, Jackson was completely snubbed from the 2025 rankings.
Ladies and Gentlemen, LT (77) Alaric Jackson cutups from the Rams divisional game against the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/JtDDjvc8NR
As training camp approaches, ESPN continues to survey league executives, coaches, and scouts on player position rankings.
One of the most recent came within the trenches with the top 10 offensive tackles heading into the 2025 season. The list, which was voted upon by executives, coaches, and scouts, was categorized by the 10 best, followed by honorable mentions, and capped off by "others receiving votes."
Notable names include Tristan Wirfs from Tampa Bay, Penei Sewell from Detroit, and Rashawn Slater from the Los Angeles Chargers. Other players who received votes include Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore and Jake Matthews from Atlanta.
However, just like any rankings list, the debate is always who got snubbed, and in today's edition, the case can be made for Los Angeles Rams' left tackle Alaric Jackson.
The veteran, who signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension back in February, wasn't even mentioned for a vote.
Jackson broke out in 2024. Per Pro Football Focus, he graded 18th overall out of 140 tackles, 19th as a run blocker, and 23rd in pass protection. He allowed just three sacks, four hits, and 22 pressures last season and set a career-best 4.5% pressure rate allowed. His sacks allowed were fewer than Detroit's Taylor Decker (8), and he gave up fewer pressures than Stanley (35). He finished with a higher overall and pass-blocking grade than Buffalo's Spencer Brown, who graded out at 73.6 overall and 76.2 in pass protection. All of which are names who appeared on the list.
Jackson also remains one of the most disciplined offensive linemen in the league, having been called for holding just twice in his career and has committed only five false starts.
The Rams signed the 6-foot-7, 345-pounder as an UDFA in 2021, and has worked his way up the depth chart over his career. After appearing in 12 games with six starts in his first two seasons, the former First-team All-Big Ten selection from Iowa has since started 29 games over the last two seasons.
While the team will count on him to continue to grow in his role, his status for the season remains uncertain due to his blood clot diagnosis. In response to his current situation the Rams brought in veteran tackle D. J. Humphries back in June as an insurance policy.
Still, when healthy, Jackson is arguably the second most important piece on the Rams' offense, behind his veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford, whom he has effectively protected.