Sam Howell or a rookie quarterback needs to be better protected by the offensive line if they are to turn around the Washington
Commanders offense. With 65 sacks allowed in 2023, the Commanders’ offensive line was tied for the second-highest in the whole
football league, making it one of the worst in the game. Washington can make significant investments to strengthen its offensive line
trenches since it has the most cap space in the league and six of the top 102 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jonah Jackson, the interior
offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, was signed by the Commanders this offseason after ESPN analyzed the top 50 free agents and
where they would fit best. Jackson was listed as the 22nd best free agent by ESPN.
“Fitting into Kliff Kingsbury’s offense in Washington, Jackson would immediately upgrade the left guard position,” according to ESPN.
“With a 93.2% pass block victory percentage in Detroit the previous season, he can maintain a strong pocket in pass protection. That’s
what D.C. needs because the Commanders gave up 65 sacks in 2023, which tied for the second-highest total in the NFL. However,
Jackson is also an interior bruiser who can open up holes in the run game, which might help Brian Robinson Jr. emerge.”
Washington would be wise to add anything pertaining to the Lions offensive line, given they allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the
NFL in 2023 with only 31 allowed. The Lions had one of the strongest offensive lines in football thanks to their offensive line, which
finished second in passing yards per game (258.9) and sixth in rushing yards (135.9) and points (27.1) per game. Since the Lions
selected him in the third round of the 2020 draft, Jackson, 27, has established himself as a key member of the offensive line. In 2021,
Jackson also appeared in one Pro Bowl.
The state of Jackson’s health is one possible worry. He only started 13 games in 2022 and 12 last season, after starting 16 in 2020 and
2021. In 2023, he missed five games in the regular season and was sidelined with a torn meniscus that required surgery in the NFC
Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. Although an offensive lineman’s knee injury should be cause for concern, the
Commanders have an extreme need at the position. Jackson is well worth the possible risk for Washington, considering how awful
their offensive line performed the previous season and how crucial it is to protect your quarterback, especially one who might be
starting in his rookie year.
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