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Todd McShay

Find the most comprehensive analysis on Kenyatta Jackson Jr., featuring Todd McShay’s evaluations. Official measurables, advanced analytics, and a scout’s eye provide the most in-depth breakdown of a prospect’s strengths and weaknesses, NFL draft projection, and potential at the next level.

Edge

Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Grade87 /100
Pos Rank5
OVR Rank44
School
OSU

Experience

Played44
Started15

POSITION STATS LAST SEASON

Sacks
6.5
TFL
11
Tackles
28
FF
0
PBU
2
Todd McShay

Position-Specific Grades

MEASURABLES

Height(E)
6' 4 7/8"
Weight(E)
260lbs
Todd McShay

The Takeaway

The Player

In his fifth season at Ohio State, Jackson spent his early career in a rotational role behind eventual NFL draft picks J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer before earning a full-time starting job in 2025. He responded with a breakout season, recording 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Jackson has appeared in 45 career games with 14 starts, totaling 53 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

Jackson has a prototypical 4-3 left defensive end build with a tall, long, strong, and well-proportioned frame. He is not a sudden athlete, but he is coordinated, powerful, and flashes good closing burst for his size.

He is the strongest, nastiest, and best run defender in this edge class. Jackson is a rugged, physical presence who knocks offensive linemen backward with his initial strike, locates the football quickly, disengages violently, and brings real force as a tackler.

His versatility also stands out. Jackson projects naturally as a 4-3 left defensive end, but he can reduce inside to three-technique in obvious passing situations and has enough experience to stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He also shows awareness when asked to spot-drop into coverage.

As a pass rusher, Jackson wins primarily with power. His length and core strength allow him to stand blockers up and walk them back into the quarterback, and he mixes in swipe, arm-over, and club moves. His rush plan and counters should continue to improve with more experience.

NFL defensive coaches will also appreciate his discipline. Jackson maintains gap integrity, keeps his eyes in the backfield, and does a good job advancing his rush without opening escape lanes for mobile quarterbacks. His biggest limitation is stiffness. He lacks ideal redirect ability, struggles to string moves together quickly, and can leave tackles and sacks on the field when forced to adjust in space.