Darrell Jackson Jr. is poised to extend Florida State's NFL Draft streak to 42 years as the expected lone Seminole selected this year. The draft begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Key points
Darrell Jackson Jr. could extend FSU's NFL Draft streak to 42 years.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Jackson is expected to be the only Seminole selected this year.
He finished his career with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.
Jackson is projected as a Day 2 pick.
Florida StateDarrell Jackson Jr.
NFL Draft weekend has arrived, and Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. could once again extend one of college footballās most durable streaks.
Jackson is expected to be the lone Seminole selected when the draft begins Thursday night, with the first round set for 8 p.m. ET. If his name is called, Florida State will have produced an NFL draft pick in 42 consecutive years. It would also mark the third straight year an FSU defensive lineman has been drafted, following Joshua Farmer in 2024 and Jared Verse and Braden Fiske the year before.
Jackson played in three of his final five collegiate seasons and finished his career with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Teams have been drawn to his measurables ā a 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame with a 7-foot-2 wingspan ā along with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. A two-time All-ACC selection, Jackson is projected as a Day 2 pick and could come off the board as early as the second round.
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FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into practice at the University of North Florida on Thursday, August 7, 2025
FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into practice at the University of North Florida on Thursday, August 7, 2025
Jackson could provide an immediate upgrade to Minnesotaās interior defensive line. His size and length fit the Vikingsā preference for disruptive defensive tackles who can hold up against the run. With Minnesota expected to address the position early, Jackson is a realistic mid-second-round option.
FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into the third fall preseason camp on Friday, August 1, 2025
FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into the third fall preseason camp on Friday, August 1, 2025
Baltimore consistently prioritizes physicality and depth along the defensive front, making Jackson a natural fit. He could slide into a three-man rotation and complement standout tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, absorbing double teams and creating opportunities for others. The Ravens could target Jackson early in the third round.
FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into the third fall preseason practice with Terrance Knighton on Friday, August 1, 2025
FSU football's Darrell Jackson walks into the third fall preseason practice with Terrance Knighton on Friday, August 1, 2025
The Jaguars are looking to reinforce a defensive line built around veteran talent. Jackson would add depth to a rotation that includes Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead and Travon Walker, while giving Jacksonville another interior presence capable of playing multiple roles along the front.
FSU football's Daniel Lyons (near) and Darrell Jackson (far) run a drill in the first practice of preseason camp on Wednesday, July 30, 2025
FSU football's Daniel Lyons (near) and Darrell Jackson (far) run a drill in the first practice of preseason camp on Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Buffalo struggled against the run last season and could benefit from adding a versatile, big-bodied defensive tackle. Jacksonās ability to line up across the front would help solidify the interior rotation, particularly in short-yardage situations. He could compete for snaps at nose tackle and bolster the Billsā run defense.
The Giants are expected to continue building depth along their defensive line on Day 2 of the draft. Jacksonās size and strength would give New York a reliable interior option who can contribute against the run and provide positional flexibility, even if he is not a high-volume pass rusher.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Darrell Jackson of the Florida State Seminoles participtates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Darrell Jackson of the Florida State Seminoles participtates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
