Scouting Future Saints: Florida State Seminoles DT Darrell Jackson Jr.

Jackson was only able to play in one game during 2023 because NCAA guidelines for a hardship transfer had not been granted. He'd be back on the field full-time for Florida State in 2024, finishing with 32 tackles that included 4 stops for loss and 3.5 sacks. In 2025, Jackson had a career-best 45 stops, including a sack and 3 tackles for negative yardage.

Strengths

• Huge wingspan with massive frame
• Natural gap plugger
• Good drive into blockers to get backfield penetration
• Has the reach and strength to bring down runners with arm tackles
• Decent quickness in pursuit
• Good hand movement to shed blocks

Weaknesses

• Needs vast improvement in overall technique
• Plays too upright, allowing blockers to get into his frame
• Must improve snap to snap leverage
• Needs to increase power and strengthen his base (gets moved out of gaps too easily)

Darrell Jackson Jr. 2026 draft outlook

Many projections have Jackson as high as a second or third round pick. His numbers and positional fit could cause him to slip into the third day. Jackson seems like a 'tweener' that could be most effective as an end in a 3-4 front or tackle in four-man fronts. However, his natural power and frame that could allow him to add bulk also gives him the possibility of a nose tackle.

The Saints have players who fit well as big ends when they line up in a 3-4 and slide inside if they employ a four-man front. What they don't have is a prototype nose tackle, a must for Brandon Staley. If they target Jackson, he brings the versatility to challenge Nathan Shepherd on the end but could add the bulk to be part of their nose tackle rotation.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. scouting report