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It is never too early to evaluate interior defensive line depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently invested in size and power along the defensive front, and Todd Bowles’ defense depends on interior defenders who can anchor against the run while offering rotational pass rush value. Prospects with experience, leadership traits, and NFL-ready frames remain valuable pieces in long-term roster construction.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Florida State interior defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr.
Jackson’s collegiate journey has spanned multiple programs, beginning at Maryland before transferring to Miami and eventually finishing his career at Florida State. That experience has given him exposure to multiple defensive systems and high-level competition across the ACC and Big Ten.
At Florida State, Jackson became a steady presence along the interior defensive line. He started 25 consecutive games to close his career and earned All-ACC honorable mention recognition in back-to-back seasons. In 2025, he was named a team captain and earned Florida State’s Defensive MVP honor, reflecting both production and leadership.
Jackson concluded his collegiate career with 129 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, demonstrating durability and consistency at over 330 pounds.
Jackson’s 2024 season stands out from a pass rush production standpoint, while 2025 highlighted his ability to handle a heavy snap load and serve as a reliable run defender.
Jackson’s game centers around size, strength, and leverage. At 6-5 and 337 pounds, he brings a true nose tackle frame that allows him to absorb double teams and maintain gap integrity. His run defense production in 2025 reflects his ability to control the point of attack rather than simply chase statistics.
As a pass rusher, Jackson flashes power-based interior push. His 30 pressures and 3.5 sacks in 2024 show he can collapse the pocket when given one-on-one opportunities. While not an elite interior penetrator, he offers functional pass rush upside in rotational situations.
Darrell Jackson Jr. projects as a Day 3 selection with a realistic path into the late second or third round, depending on team evaluations. He profiles as a high-floor rotational 1-technique who can contribute immediately on early downs while offering developmental pass rush value.
In Tampa Bay, Jackson would fit as an interior depth piece capable of anchoring against the run in Todd Bowles’ front. His size, leadership, and experience provide stability, and if his pass-rush development continues, he could carve out a dependable rotational role along the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs 2026 Draft Scouting Report: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, FSU
Continue reading...
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Florida State interior defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr.
Information
- School: Florida State
- Conference: ACC
- Position: Interior Defensive Line
- Height Weight: 6-5, 337 pounds
- Class: Redshirt Senior
- Hometown: Havana, Florida
Background
Jackson’s collegiate journey has spanned multiple programs, beginning at Maryland before transferring to Miami and eventually finishing his career at Florida State. That experience has given him exposure to multiple defensive systems and high-level competition across the ACC and Big Ten.
At Florida State, Jackson became a steady presence along the interior defensive line. He started 25 consecutive games to close his career and earned All-ACC honorable mention recognition in back-to-back seasons. In 2025, he was named a team captain and earned Florida State’s Defensive MVP honor, reflecting both production and leadership.
Jackson concluded his collegiate career with 129 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, demonstrating durability and consistency at over 330 pounds.
Notable Stats
- 522 total snaps
- 81.3 run defense grade
- 74.4 overall defensive grade
- 14 total pressures
- 45 tackles
- 3.0 tackles for loss
Jackson’s 2024 season stands out from a pass rush production standpoint, while 2025 highlighted his ability to handle a heavy snap load and serve as a reliable run defender.
Skills
- Prototypical 1-tech build at 337 pounds
- Strong anchor versus interior run schemes
- Length to lock out and control blockers
- Experience across multiple defensive systems
- High snap-count durability
- Interior pocket compression ability
- Leadership and veteran presence
Jackson’s game centers around size, strength, and leverage. At 6-5 and 337 pounds, he brings a true nose tackle frame that allows him to absorb double teams and maintain gap integrity. His run defense production in 2025 reflects his ability to control the point of attack rather than simply chase statistics.
As a pass rusher, Jackson flashes power-based interior push. His 30 pressures and 3.5 sacks in 2024 show he can collapse the pocket when given one-on-one opportunities. While not an elite interior penetrator, he offers functional pass rush upside in rotational situations.
Player Summary
Darrell Jackson Jr. projects as a Day 3 selection with a realistic path into the late second or third round, depending on team evaluations. He profiles as a high-floor rotational 1-technique who can contribute immediately on early downs while offering developmental pass rush value.
In Tampa Bay, Jackson would fit as an interior depth piece capable of anchoring against the run in Todd Bowles’ front. His size, leadership, and experience provide stability, and if his pass-rush development continues, he could carve out a dependable rotational role along the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs 2026 Draft Scouting Report: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, FSU
Continue reading...
