The Miami Dolphins have reportedly signed another one of their 2020 first-round picks, with University of Southern California offensive tackle Austin Jackson signing a four-year deal.
Can confirm that Austin Jackson has signed his rookie contract. Believed to be four years, $13.6 million.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) June 11, 2020
Jackson was the 18th overall pick in April’s draft, one of three first-round selections by the Dolphins. The pick was acquired by the Dolphins in last year’s Minkah Fitzpatrick deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The choice of Jackson was an important effort in the Dolphins bolstering a key problem in their lineup, following a 2019 season in which the offensive line allowed 58 sacks on the year.
Jackson is the latest in a long line of offensive tackles that have come out of USC, a list that includes Pro Football Hall of Famers Ron Yary and Anthony Munoz.
While expectations of what Jackson can offer the Dolphins this season and in the years ahead are high, they are merely hoping to stabilize the front wall of the offense.
One of Jackson’s key responsibilities with the Dolphins will be to protect the health of the team’s top draft pick, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Debate exists whether or not Tagovailoa will play much of the 2020 season on the sidelines, but keeping him upright is vital to the Dolphins’ chances of reaching the postseason and eventually winning a Super Bowl.
Like all of the Dolphins’ 2020 draftees, Jackson and his interactions with team personnel have been limited due to quarantine considerations from the coronavirus.
However, once training camp gets underway, Jackson will start his path toward becoming a vital part of the Dolphins’ offensive lineup.
