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Todd McShay

Find the most comprehensive analysis on [Player Name], 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.

Interior Defensive Linemen

Darrell Jackson Jr.

Grade69 /100
Pos Rank10
OVR Rank102
School
FSU

Experience

Played50
Started38

POSITION STATS LAST SEASON

Tackles
45
Sacks
1
TFL
3
FF
0
PBU
0
Todd McShay

Position-Specific Grades

COMBINE RESULTS

Height
6' 5 5/8"
Weight
315lbs
Todd McShay
ARM
34 3/4"
HAND
11"

The Takeaway

The Player

Jackson is a physically gifted but inconsistent interior defensive lineman whose college career spanned Maryland, Miami, and Florida State. After a rotational freshman season at Maryland, he broke out as a full-time starter at Miami (27 tackles, three sacks), though eligibility issues limited him to just the Orange Bowl in 2023. Over his final two seasons at Florida State, he posted solid production (77 tackles, seven TFL, 4.5 sacks).

At his best, Jackson is a massive, long, and powerful presence with impressive burst for his size. When he plays with proper pad level and leverages his length, he can anchor against the run, shed blockers quickly, and generate real power as a pass rusher—capable of collapsing the pocket and overwhelming interior linemen.

However, his game is defined by inconsistency. He too often plays upright with a narrow base, which makes him easier to move despite his size. His technique and snap-to-snap commitment remain works in progress. That inconsistency shows up in his production as well, with his pass-rush win rate dropping sharply from 13.4 percent in 2024 to 6.3 percent in 2025 despite similar usage.

There are also some questions about his physical profile and preparation. His weight fluctuated significantly—from 335 pounds during the 2025 season to 328 at the Senior Bowl, then back up to 315 at the combine—and he did not participate in on-field testing at either the combine or Florida State’s pro day.

The Draft

In a year where there’s not much interior defensive line talent in the first few rounds, it’s more likely than not that a team will bet on Jackson’s dominant traits late on day two.  

The Projection

This is a classic traits-versus-tape-consistency evaluation. Very similar to Javon Kinlaw coming out of South Carolina, you’re betting on the ability to improve Jackson’s technique and consistency to fully unlock his impact-starter potential. Jackson is best suited to play in an odd front and will likely be used in a rotation as a rookie, but he’s gifted enough to emerge as star defender (and mid-round steal) with the right coaching.