Darrell Jackson Jr. NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for New York Jets DT

Matt HolderDec 4, 2025

The New York Jets selected Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. with the No. 103 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Darrell Jackson Jr. has several physically dominant reps as a run defender on film to be a gap-filler in the middle of an NFL defensive line. His combination of size (6'5", 315 pounds) and strength can help him be an immediate contributor on early downs at the next level.

Jackson began his college career as a 3-star recruit at Maryland, playing in a rotational role as a true freshman and recording 22 tackles. He transferred to Miami the following year and started for the Hurricanes, logging 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

In 2023, the Florida native transferred again but was forced to sit out all but one of Florida State's contests due to NCAA transfer rules. He earned All-ACC honorable mention honors as a redshirt junior by collecting 32 tackles, four TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

This season, Jackson's overall production increased with 45 tackles, but he did see a dip in TFLs (three) and sacks (one) to receive honorable-mention All-ACC recognition.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 21 Cal at Florida State

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- Jackson has great size, carries his frame well and has long arms.

- Strong and violent at the point of attack when taking on blocks against the run. Has plenty of knockback power and can stand up offensive linemen with his upper body strength.

- Also, takes on blocks with a wide base. He's hard to move one-on-one and can effectively two-gap against base blocks from centers.

- Has little to no issues stacking and shedding and has also shown a solid arm-over move to escape blocks.

- Can make tackles with offensive linemen hanging onto him.

- When he shoots his hands as a pass-rusher, he can overwhelm interior offensive linemen with a long-arm move by using his strength and length.

- Hustle player who will factor into gang tackles down the field.

Areas of Improvement

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 26 Florida State at Virginia

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- Jackson isn't very quick and lacks athleticism overall.

- Often plays with his hands down when rushing the passer, doesn't have any counter moves or work the offensive lineman's hands well.

- Slow off the ball and stands up out of his stance, impacting his ability to collapse the pocket when bull rushing. Offers very little as a pass-rusher at the next level.

- High pad level and stopping his feet on contact can cause him to concede some ground against double teams/combo blocks.

- Shows some stiffness in his knees and hips, impacting his ability to sink his hips and anchor against doubles.