FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Sawyer
Jack Sawyer (DE – Ohio State)
6’5” – 260 lbs.
Background:
Five-star recruit who was widely considered the top player at his position back in 2021. Rotated into the defense a bit as a true freshman, finishing with 173 snaps and an 11-3.0-3.0 line. Started three games the following year but typically rotated in, finishing with 329 total snaps and 24-6.5-4.5. Became a full-time starter last season, with a solid 48-10.0-6.5 line, then saw his output increase to 53-8.0-8.0 in 2024 as of the time of writing.
Positives:
Two-year starter and three-year contributor with escalating output and play. Well-built defensive end who looks the part, and has added a significant amount of weight since arriving on campus. A high-energy player who fires out low. Plays with discipline and patience in the run game, maintaining his gap discipline and funneling runners back inside. Anchors well at the line of scrimmage, with good knee bend to compete in the leverage battle. Uses his length well to lock out opponents. Active with power in his hands to swipe and discard. Shows impressive contact balance to stay on track. Rangy athlete in pursuit, showing a good motor to pursue. Has an explosive first step to threaten the edge with speed in the passing game. Brings some variety in his rush approach. Flashes the ability to dip his shoulder and bend back to the passer, with what looks like solid ankle/hip flexibility. Flashes a nice inside move to take advantage of tackles who overset. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes, and batted down five passes this year. Has clean footwork to make limited drops into zone coverage (spot drops, occasionally carrying backs into the flat.)
Negatives:
Will occasionally lapse into throwing a shoulder at opponents rather than engaging with his hands. Slightly late to disengage at times, letting some blockers get into his pads. Weight distribution and pad level look off at times as he tries to turn the corner as a speed rusher. Can get too far upfield and take himself out of the play.
Summary:
A big, long defensive end with a well-rounded game, he may not have had monster statistical production with the Buckeyes, but it’s hard to find many flaws with the on-field product. He has an explosive first step, taking on and shedding blocks effectively in the run game and varying his rush approach, with the ability to win in different ways. Scheme-versatile and relatively polished game should make him an easy second-day pick, even in an edge class that is relatively deep.
Projection: Round 2
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