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NFLPreview
FSU eyes extending NFL Draft streak to 43 straight picks
TL;DR
Florida State aims to extend its NFL Draft streak to 43 consecutive years with player selections. Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. is projected to be the first Seminole drafted this year.
Key points
- Florida State aims for 43 consecutive NFL Draft selections
- Darrell Jackson Jr. is the top prospect for FSU
- Jackson recorded 78 tackles and 4.5 sacks in three seasons
- Jackson is projected to be drafted in round three
- The NFL Draft takes place from April 23 to April 25, 2026
Florida State SeminolesDarrell Jackson Jr.Baltimore RavensSan Francisco 49ers
The National Football League (NFL) has reached the pinnacle of its offseason with the 2026 NFL Draft beginning Thursday, April 23, and continuing through Saturday, April 25.
With a handful of prospects, Florida State looks to extend its active streak of consecutive drafts with a player selected to 43. This year’s class of former Seminoles looks to add to one of the longest active streaks among Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) programs.
Many mock drafts predict the first FSU player to be drafted will be redshirt senior defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. The two-time All-ACC honorable mention recorded 78 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in his three seasons with the ’Noles. Jackson is currently projected to be selected in round three of the draft. Recent mock drafts project Jackson to the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers, all teams searching for help on the interior defensive line.
Jackson was the only member of the Garnet and Gold to be invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where prospects met with teams and participated in a variety of position and athletic testing drills.
“It was great. I always dreamed of going to the combine as a child,” Jackson said during his media availability. “Attacking one thing at a time, from the All-Star Game to the combine, I feel like it was a great experience for me. I was really learning how to be a pro, on and off the field.”
Seminoles showcase skills at Pro Day on March 27
Even though Jackson was the lone player from Florida State in Indianapolis, he was not the only former Seminole talent improving his draft stock. 17 prospects were featured at the ’Noles Pro Day on March 27, showcasing their talent in front of scouts from all 32 NFL franchises. Two names that stood out to scouts were senior defensive back Jerry Wilson and senior quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Q&A
How many consecutive years has Florida State had a player drafted in the NFL?
Florida State has had a player selected in the NFL Draft for 42 consecutive years and aims to extend this streak to 43.
Who is the top prospect from Florida State for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top prospect from Florida State for the 2026 NFL Draft is redshirt senior defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.
Which teams are projected to draft Darrell Jackson Jr.?
Darrell Jackson Jr. is projected to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, or Pittsburgh Steelers.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft take place?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, and continue through Saturday, April 25.
