Darrell Jackson Jr. Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 3 | FanVerdicts

Top 9%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Good Value

Position

DT · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #87 · Day 2 Value

Darrell Jackson Jr. emerged as Florida State's defensive anchor after transferring from Auburn following his sophomore season, immediately establishing himself as a disruptive interior presence in the ACC. The Georgia native possesses an ideal blend of size, athleticism, and technique that allows him to excel as both a run-stuffer and pass-rusher from multiple alignments. His draft stock has steadily climbed throughout his senior season as scouts have taken notice of his ability to command double-teams while maintaining gap integrity. Jackson's combination of violent hands, powerful lower body drive, and surprising lateral mobility makes him a scheme-versatile prospect who projects as a Day 2 selection with immediate rotational upside and long-term starter potential in multiple defensive fronts.

Strengths

+Exceptional hand usage with violent punch timing that consistently jolts offensive linemen backward, creating immediate disruption at the point of attack.

+Outstanding leverage control allows him to maintain pad level advantage while driving upfield, rarely getting washed out of rushing lanes despite his shorter stature.

+Impressive lateral mobility for his size enables him to work across multiple gaps and pursue ball carriers sideline to sideline with consistent effort.

+Strong anchor against double-team blocks, using proper hand placement and core strength to occupy multiple blockers and free up linebackers.

+Versatile pass-rush repertoire including effective swim moves, rip techniques, and bull rushes that have produced consistent pressure in obvious passing situations.

+High football IQ demonstrated through pre-snap recognition of blocking schemes and ability to communicate adjustments to teammates along the defensive line.

+Reliable gap integrity maintenance in run defense, consistently holding his assigned responsibility while maintaining pursuit angles to the football.

+Excellent motor and competitive drive, regularly seen making effort plays late in games and pursuing plays well outside his typical coverage area.

+Strong core strength allows him to shed blocks effectively once engaged, frequently creating tackles for loss when offensive linemen fail to sustain blocks.

+Effective use of leverage and timing to create A-gap pressure, particularly dangerous when aligned as a nose tackle in sub-packages.

+Consistent availability and durability throughout college career, missing minimal time due to injury while maintaining high snap counts across three seasons.

NFL Comparison: Javon Hargrave

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Darrell Jackson Jr.

Pick Context

Scouting Report

Strengths

Fan Discussion

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