With being more than halfway through the college football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at McKinnley Jackson.

• 2024 NFL Draft Guide
• 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DL | EDGE | LB | S | CB
• 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: McKinnley Jackson

McKinnley Jackson (DL – Texas A&M)

6’2″ – 325 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who has been rotating in relatively heavily since his freshman year, in which he totaled 246 snaps and posted a line of 13-2.0-1.5. Had a similar sophomore year (326 snaps, including four starts, and a 14-1.0-1.0 line.) Started seven of eight games he appeared in as a junior, finishing with 37-7.0-2.0 on 389 snaps, and has been enjoying a similar senior season.

Positives:

Four-year contributor with over two years of starting experience. Very thickly built, especially in the lower body. Lines up in some different techniques throughout the game; can be found anywhere from the zero-technique to the three-technique. Shows the ability to anticipate snap counts and get off with some violence. Surprisingly flexible given how big he is. Generally plays with adequate knee-bend and a solid pad level. Anchors well against power when asked to hold the point of attack. Physical through the whistle. Has some suddenness out of his stance to threaten gaps on passing downs, and mixes up his rush approach, rather than relying heavily on his bull rush. Active with his hands to slip by opponents, usually with a rip. Draws additional attention relatively frequently on passing downs.

Negatives:

Rotates off the field somewhat regularly and will probably do so at the pro level as well. Doesn’t play with as much discipline and gap integrity as you’d like to see, negating his strength too often by playing without a stable base or getting out too far over his skis. The ability to anticipate and locate the football is still very much a work in progress. Too many plays where he’s in a position to shed and make a stop, but doesn’t locate the ball or disengage. His range as a run defender is relatively limited. Pass-rush production has been better this year, but still isn’t a consistent pressure-generator.

Summary:

Has a rare size for a nose tackle prospect, and combines it with more quickness, flexibility, and explosiveness than is usual for similarly-built players, traits which have allowed him to line up in some different techniques at the college level. However, needs to do a better job of staying disciplined, locating the football, and shedding blockers to fulfill his primary responsibilities as an interior run-stuffer. Consequently, looks like an upside-based developmental prospect with the potential to become part of an early-down defensive line rotation, potentially in either a one- or two-gap scheme.

Projection: Round 4