2026 NFL Draft: Grading Jets’ Darrell Jackson Jr. selection at No. 103

The New York Jets continued to find value on Day 3, selecting Darrell Jackson Jr. with the 103rd overall pick. For a player widely viewed as one of the better interior defensive prospects in this class, that’s the kind of selection that quietly strengthens a roster without the need for headlines.

Based on value alone, this is a strong move. Jackson’s name appeared on plenty of boards as a top-10 interior defender, making his availability at this spot somewhat surprising. He's also the nephew of Dexter Lawrence, a former defensive back who was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII.

When teams can land a player with that kind of perceived talent outside the top 100, it’s usually worth the investment. Jackson’s strengths are easy to identify. He’s a massive presence inside, built to anchor against the run and occupy space in the middle of a defensive front.

When his technique is sound, he can be difficult to move and can disrupt plays before they fully develop. That ability alone gives him a path to early snaps as part of a rotation.

Darrell Jackson Jr. is a developmental piece with real upside.

Where Jackson becomes more intriguing is in what he could become. Despite his physical tools, he’s still developing as a pass rusher. Learning to use his length consistently, improve hand placement, and process blocking schemes faster will determine how far he can go at the next level. Those are coachable traits, but they take time.

His Senior Bowl performance helped reinforce that belief. Against higher-level competition, he flashed enough to remind evaluators why his upside is worth betting on. There were moments where everything clicked, and in those flashes, you could see the potential for something more than just a rotational defender.

That’s the gamble the Jets are making. Jackson doesn’t need to be a star immediately. He can begin his career as a depth piece, contributing in specific situations while refining his game. If the coaching staff can unlock his tools and improve his consistency, this pick could age very well.

Grade: B-

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Grading Jets’ Darrell Jackson Jr. selection at No. 103