FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Ohio State EDGE rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Kenyatta Jackson (Jr. – Ohio State)
6-foot-6 | 265 Pounds
Background
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was a four-star recruit who wore jersey No. 97, which had previously been worn by both Bosa brothers and Cameron Heyward. He spent his first three seasons in a reserve/rotational role, totaling a combined 25-6.0-3.0 line over those three years, then stepped into the starting lineup for 2025 and finished with a line of 28-11.0-6.5.
Positives
Jackson is a massive defensive end who really looks the part, lining up on the end of the team’s even fronts on most downs but also working as an interior pass-rusher at times. Plays with good knee bend to compete in the leverage battle as a taller defender, showing solid flexibility. Does a good job of using his length to keep blockers out of his pads.
The Ohio State prospect shows good discipline and patience to maintain the team’s run fits, rather than hunting for stats. Temperamentally speaking, looks like more of a read-and-react type. Backside discipline is nice. Keeps his head up to locate and shows pretty good effort in pursuit. Length gives him a solid radius.
At times, Jackson showed the type of power in his hands you’d expect someone of his size to have. Not the most dynamic rusher, but he looks like he has many of the tools teams look for. Flashes a pretty powerful bull rush that can even walk back some interior linemen.
Ohio State would sometimes kick him inside on obvious passing downs to get more juice. Has a pretty smooth spin move that he works in at times. Also uses a rip from time to time, which looks promising. Closes faster than you’d expect. Rushes don’t undermine the team’s run fits.
Negatives
Bigger and more powerful than he is physically dominant; there are some snaps on tape where you’d like to see him get more aggressive to bully smaller blockers. Can be a tick late to diagnose, which can lead to false steps. Would like to see some more consistent violence/heaviness to his hands to shed.
Despite his size/length, Jackson hasn’t been the most reliable tackler. A bit linear as a rusher, and looks more impressive working with power than he does trying to bend around the edge. Overall rush repertoire is still a work in progress. He doesn’t seem to have the most diverse set of moves/counters, and looks better at containing quarterbacks to the pocket than generating consistent pressure.
Summary
A one-year starter who looks great on the hoof and plays with good patience, discipline and flexibility, but who doesn’t always dominate as much as you’d expect from someone with his set of physical tools.
Jackson will probably be a somewhat polarizing prospect as a result, who appeals more to teams that favor two-gap, read-and-react approaches up front, rather than those who prioritize creating disruption. Could get some Day 2 looks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he slipped into the middle rounds in a deep EDGE class.
Projection: Round 4
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