Darrell Jackson Jr.
New York JetsOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Maryland · Big Ten
| Season | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | Hur | PD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 563 |
| 2022 | 27 | 4 | 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 173 |
| 2024 | 28 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 1 | 92 |
| 2025 | 44 | 2 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 | 322 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Florida State · 2026 draft class
Darrell Jackson Jr. is a massive and physically imposing defensive tackle who has taken a circuitous route to NFL consideration, transferring through three programs before finally finding his home at Florida State. The Gadsden County, Florida product began his collegiate journey at Maryland in 2021 as a true freshman, starting just once but appearing in all 13 games. He then transferred to Miami where he started all 12 games in 2022, before making his way to Florida State only to have the NCAA deny his eligibility waiver for most of 2023 - though he did make his Seminole debut in the Orange Bowl against Georgia. Jackson's perseverance paid dividends in his first full season with FSU in 2024, where he anchored a defensive front during a disappointing 2-10 campaign, starting all 12 games while collecting 32 tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. At 6-5 and 337 pounds, Jackson's sheer size makes him a force in caving pockets and disrupting passing lanes, excelling at using his strength to hold the point against single or double-team blocks. His performance earned him All-ACC honorable mention honors and the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award, recognizing his impact both on the field and in the locker room during a tumultuous season.
Strengths
- Massive physical frame at 6-5
- 337 pounds creates immediate presence in middle of defensive line
- able to command double teams and cave pockets
- Elite strength allows him to hold point of attack against single or double-team blocks
- making him ideal gap-occupying tackle for NFL run defense
- Powerful bull rush is incredibly effective when he maintains correct pad level
- can easily forklift interior linemen off their spot and into quarterback's lap
- Disrupts passing lanes with his size and length
- able to bat down passes at line of scrimmage and create visibility issues for quarterbacks
- Experience at three different programs (Maryland
Concerns
- Raw technique that relies more on size and strength rather than refined skill
- limiting his potential as every-down player early in NFL career
- Played at three different schools in four years raises major red flags about character
- work ethic
- or inability to establish roots in one program
- Limited consistent production with just 3.5 sacks and 4.0 TFLs in 2024 as full-time starter suggests he may not maximize his physical gifts
- Pad level discipline remains inconsistent - when he stands up too tall he loses leverage advantage and gets pushed back by smaller offensive linemen
- Motor and effort level questions show up on tape
- can take plays off when away from point of attack or disengage too early
- Lateral mobility and range severely limited by 337-pound frame
Honors
All-ACC Honorable Mention (2024); Bobby Bowden Leadership Award (2024); Orange Bowl appearance vs Georgia (2023); Three different Power 5 programs