Ja'Quinden Jackson
Ja'Quinden Jackson  RB  Arkansas | NFL Draft 2025 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Ja'Quinden Jackson
Height
6-2
Weight
233
College
Arkansas
Position
RB
Class
Senior
Home town
Dallas, TX
83.5/100
Player Rating
12
PositionRank (RB)
4.6
FortyYD Time
Rush YDs
790
Rush AVG
5.3
Rush TDs
15
Receptions
13
Rec YDs
139

Ja'Quinden Jackson RB Arkansas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Ja'Quinden Jackson RB Arkansas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

ROLE: Work-Horse Back
Last Updated: 09/30/2024
Draft Year: 2025
40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*)
Measurables:
Height: 6-2 (96%*) Weight: 233 (93%*)
Forty: 4.60 (O) (37%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
ROLE: Work-Horse Back
Last Updated: 09/30/2024
Draft Year: 2025
40 time: 4.60 seconds (37%*)
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-2 (96%*) Weight: 233 (93%*)
Forty: 4.60 (O) (37%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 83.5 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
76%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
Rushing:
90%
Break Tackles:
77%
Receiving/Hands:
65%
Pass Blocking:
49%
Run Blocking:
59%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th
Overall Rank: #101 Position rank: #12
College Games: 35 College Snaps: 968
Grade: 4 ESPN  Stars 4 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 86/100
College Combine Results
Grade: 247 Sports 4  Stars 247 Sports 97 Stars 247 RATING: 97/100
Grade: 4 Stars 4 Stars RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
Player Comparison* (Similarity level)
Brian Robinson Jr. - Alabama
77%
Tank Bigsby - Auburn
64%
Najee Harris - Alabama
63%
Draft Profile: Bio
Ja'Quinden Jackson, a 6'2", 233-pound running back from Arkansas, has navigated a unique path to the NFL Draft. Hailing from Duncanville High School in Texas, Jackson was initially a four-star quarterback recruit who signed with the Texas Longhorns. After redshirting his freshman year, he transferred to Utah and transitioned to running back. Jackson's collegiate journey culminated with a final transfer to Arkansas for his redshirt senior season.

At Utah, Jackson's production grew steadily. In 2023, he led the Utes with 797 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 161 carries. His season highlights included three 100-yard rushing performances, with a career-high 129 yards against Baylor. Jackson's size and power were evident in the Pac-12, where he consistently gained tough yardage in critical situations.

Jackson's versatility was on display throughout his college career. As a high school senior, he showcased dual-threat capabilities, passing for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,030 yards and 16 scores. At Arkansas, he continued to make an impact, becoming the first Razorback since 2015 to rush for a touchdown in five consecutive games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Bulldozing runner with a punishing downhill style, consistently moving the chains in short-yardage situations
  • Demonstrates excellent contact balance, consistently breaking arm tackles and falling forward for extra yardage
  • Shows surprising patience and vision for a converted quarterback, particularly in zone blocking schemes
  • Possesses the ability to get skinny through gaps despite his size, turning shoulders to slip through tight spaces
  • Natural field vision translates well from quarterback background, aiding in finding cutback lanes and reading blocks
  • Powerful lower body allows him to churn through contact and pick up tough yards after initial contact
  • Willing pass protector with the size and strength to match up against blitzing linebackers
  • Versatility as a former quarterback could potentially add wrinkles to an NFL offense in special packages
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Lacks true long speed to consistently threaten the edge or break off home runs at the NFL level
  • Still raw in terms of overall feel for the running back position, occasionally struggling with timing and block reads
  • Upright running style presents a larger target for defenders and may lead to unnecessary hits in the NFL
  • Limited experience and production as a receiver out of the backfield (only 14 receptions in 2023)
  • Pass protection technique needs refinement despite willingness and physical tools to excel in this area
Scouting Report: Summary
Jackson's toolkit aligns well with the demands of a power-based NFL rushing attack. His bruising running style and ability to move the chains make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a complement to their feature back. While he may not possess elite breakaway speed, Jackson's combination of size, vision, and evolving skills as a runner could earn him opportunities in short-yardage and goal-line situations early in his career.

The former quarterback's transition to running back is still a work in progress, presenting both challenges and upside. His raw tools suggest potential as a punishing runner between the tackles, but refining his pad level and developing a more diverse skill set in the passing game will be crucial for carving out a significant role at the next level. Teams will need to weigh Jackson's physical gifts against his relatively limited experience at the position.

Ultimately, Jackson profiles as a developmental power back with the potential to contribute in a committee approach. His unique background and physical traits make him an intriguing day three prospect for teams willing to invest in his growth.

How other scouting services rate Ja'Quinden Jackson (Overall Rank)

All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
199.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
24.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance. For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.

*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.