FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Darrell Jackson Jr.
Darrell Jackson Jr. (DL – Florida State)
6-foot-5 | 337 Pounds
Background
Darrell Jackson Jr. originally committed to Florida out of high school, where he played 225 snaps (one start) as a freshman in 2021, finishing with 22 tackles. He transferred to Miami and stepped into a starting role, posting 27-4.5-3.0 over 414 snaps, before transferring again to Florida State.
Jackson was forced to sit out all but one game of 2023 due to transfer rules, but has started the past two seasons for the Seminoles, finishing with 32-4.0-3.5 and 45-3.0-1.0 over those campaigns.
Positives
Jackson is a massive defensive lineman who has gotten bigger each year (was listed at 300 pounds as a freshman) and carries his weight well. Primarily a nose tackle, but you’ll see him playing three-technique on some snaps as well. Size allows him to command some double-teams in the run game.
For a taller tackle, Jackson competes well in the leverage battle out of his stance. Anchors very well at the line of scrimmage to hold the point of attack, even when he’s being double-teamed; clearly has very good lower-body strength. Uses his length effectively to lock out defenders and play effective read-and-react football in two-gap concepts, with above-average blocking-shedding skills.
The Florida State prospect has above-average range and quickness when scraping down the line toward the ball, given his frame, and he gives good effort in pursuit. Length gives him a wide tackling radius. Was sometimes left on the field on passing downs to occupy blocks, and his hustle allows him to be a factor with second-effort at times. Height and length allow him to contest passing lanes.
Negatives
Jackson spent five years at three programs, so he’s slightly older than your average rookie. Taller than your typical nose tackle, which can lead to issues with pad level. Recognition skills are still a bit of a work in progress and he can be slow to locate the football at times.
Jackson was susceptible to getting his legs cut out. Gives good effort in pursuit, but overall range is a bit limited by a lack of ideal athleticism. Doesn’t appear to have a very wide repertoire of moves as a pass-rusher.
Summary
A bit of an unorthodox prospect in that he’s significantly taller than your typical nose tackle and has a bit more quickness and lateral range than expected given his frame.
However, other than that, Jackson’s game is about what you’d expect, with an impressive anchor, the ability to lock out and shed blocks as a two-gap defender and occasional pad level issues. All-World size could get him some second-day looks. He projects best as a rotational run-stuffer type in a scheme that favors two-gap concepts.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Podcast Addict | TuneIn