10 in 10: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting

Almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for Coach Mike Norvell and Florida State in 2024. A comedy of errors culminated in a shocking 2-10 season after being unbeaten in the regular season only a year previous. The only thing that really did go right was their interior defensive line, as I loved Joshua Farmer as a prospect in the 2025 draft and am seriously intrigued by the next man up this season, Darrell Jackson Jr. Check back tomorrow and every day between now and kickoff in Week 0 on the 23rd of August for more prospect breakdowns.

No. 4- Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

Prospect Details

Name: Darrell Jackson Jr.

College: Florida State

Year: Redshirt Senior

Measurables: 6’5, 330 pounds

Scheme Fit: 4-tech in a 3-3-5 scheme

Background

Former 3-star recruit out of Havana, Florida, Jackson Jr. committed to Maryland out of high school in 2021. He saw action in all 13 games with a start in the Pinstripe Bowl during his true freshman season at Maryland and totalled 22 tackles. He transferred to Miami after his Freshman season, and in 2022, he started all 12 games, registering 27 tackles, 4.5 for loss with 3.0 sacks, and one pass breakup.

He was on the move again in 2023, transferring to Florida State, but NCAA rules prevented him from playing during the regular season. Returned for the bowl game vs. No. 6 Georgia and recorded three tackles, including 0.5 for loss, vs. the Bulldogs. Fully available in 2024, he had 3.5 sacks in 2024. Was an All-ACC honorable mention and won the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award at FSU. He is on the Bednarik Award Watch List and was named to the preseason All-ACC team. Jackson Jr. may have been a top-100 pick if he had entered the 2025 draft, but a breakout season in 2025 could make his stock rise even more.

Detailed Scouting Report

Strengths

1. Dominant tackler who brings down the ball carrier consistently when he gets his hands on them. Stout at the point of attack to push the pile and not afraid to take on double teams.

2. Good awareness and instincts for running plays. Knows when to move across the line and be disruptive and when to read bounce outs or counter runs. Flashes impressive moments on film.

3. Shows serious power and twitch in a phone booth. Rocks offensive linemen back on first contact in pass rush reps, and tough to keep a hold of. Had 23 QB hurries, which is an impressive showing for his role in the defense.

4. Exceptional size and strength for a nose tackle. Tips the scales at 330 pounds and routinely leaves linemen in the dust with his combination of upper body strength and leg drive.

5. Has some pass rush upside. Mostly a power rusher, but has shown some positive understanding of leverage. 2 sacks vs Miami, which was just pure effort and athleticism with flashes of long-arm power moves.

Development Points

1. Had to sit out the entire 2023 regular season due to a violation of NCAA rules for transferring twice. Treated it as a ‘Redshirt’, and it was for a good reason, but his development has been stunted slightly as a result. Needs a big 2025 season to push his name up the big board.

2. Moments where he plays too high with his pad level. Can get moved off balance and on the ground a little more often than you'd ideally like to see.

3. Not shown much versatility to his game. He has almost exclusively lined up in the ‘B gap’ and is a one-gap penetrator. Occupies the linemen with only occasional single-team opportunities to show what he can do. May mean he is only a rotational piece at the next level, rather than being the guy.

4. Has not shown a deep pass rush plan in his game yet. No real bend or flexibility in his rushes, and an underdeveloped rush move repertoire. Tries to win on power and leg drives, and not able to do much else if he's stonewalled.

Summary

Jackson Jr. broke out in 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season minus the Bowl game, with 5 sacks and over 20 QB pressures. FSU had a down year for sure, but it wasn't down to their defensive line which had talent, including Jackson Jr. He can play too high at times, and shows some rawness in his pass rush moves. However, I'm betting on Jackson Jr.'s size, strength and power, projecting him to take a step forward in 2025 and put him firmly in the mix for the top half of the draft next April.

Player Comp: Alfred Collins

Team Fits: Steelers, Ravens, Seahawks

Grade: 6.5/9.0 (Top 75 Grade)