The NFL loves traits. It isn’t exactly uncommon for players to be drafted solely due to rare size or athleticism. In fact, it was New York Giants GM Ernie Accorsi who coined the “planet theory” of drafting.
Florida State nose tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. certainly made waves at the Shrine Bowl when he measured 6-foot-5, nearly 330 pounds, with 35-inch arms and 11-inch hands. However, he’s more than just a rare combination of numbers. Jackson is also a good nose tackle and was the rock in the middle of the FSU defense.
The Giants could use another nose tackle to back up Dexter Lawrence. Could Jackson be that guy?
Prospect: Darrell Jackson Jr. (6)
Games Watched: vs. Virginia (2025), vs. Stanford (2025), vs. Virginia Tech (2025)
Red Flags:
Measurables
Height: 6-foot 5⅛
Weight: 328
Arm length: 35
Hand size: 11 inches
Strengths
Best traits
- Size
- Arm length
- Power
- Run defense
- Short-area quickness
- Competitive toughness
Jackson Jr. is a massive nose tackle prospect with an ideal frame at 6-foot 5 ⅛ inches tall, 328 pounds, impressively long 35-inch arms, and 11-inch hands.
Jackson Jr. plays with every bit of power his frame would suggest, and perhaps even more considering his rare arm length. He’s able to easily control multiple blockers, driving double-teams back when he plays with leverage and even control triple teams on occasion. It’s predictable, then, that he’s an absolute headache in one-on-one situations, and can drive individual blockers back into the quarterback’s lap.
He understands how to use his length to his advantage, consistently winning inside leverage and using his considerable strength to control blockers. He has a powerful grip and can torque blockers to collapse gaps or prevent them from disengaging to work up to the second level. Likewise, Jackson Jr. is able to keep the second level defenders behind him clean so they can flow to the ball.
He comes into the NFL as an excellent run defender, and backs who challenge his gap often look as though they’re running into a brick wall. Jackson Jr’s. length and grip strength are enough that he can fend off blockers while also firing a single arm to bring backs down one-handed if they attempt to run past him.
He is a limited athlete, but also surprisingly quick in a short area. Jackson Jr. typically keys the snap well and has a good first step for a player his size. He’s also quick enough in a short area to deal with attempted cut blocks or insert himself into gaps if he isn’t tasked with controlling blockers.
Finally, Jackson Jr. is quick to diagnose the run, as well as recognize check-downs, screen plays, or scrambles, and disengage to pursue. He gives great effort in pursuit and consistently attempts to run down the ball carrier.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Overall athleticism
- Pass rush
- Range
- Leverage consistency
While Jackson Jr. has surprising initial quickness for his frame and bulk, that doesn’t last past his first step. His second step and beyond are, frankly, slow and he’s a plodding mover over any type of distance. Jackson Jr’s. lack of footspeed severely limits his range and how effective he is able to be outside of the specific gap he’s tasked to defend.
His lack of footspeed becomes apparent when he disengages to pursue a play. Jackson Jr. has a wide-open motor on the field, however his transmission seems stuck in first gear.
Jackson Jr’s lack of speed also directly impacts his pass rush. He has little impact on the pass rush beyond trying to drive individual blockers back or occupying multiple blockers. That is further complicated by a tendency to pop upright off the snap and fail to maintain his leverage. Jackson Jr. is strong enough that he can hold his ground even with compromised leverage. However, he struggles to get under blockers’ pads and get much of a push when his pads rise.
Game Tape
(Jackson Jr. is the Florida State nose tackle wearing number 6.)
Projection
Jackson Jr. projects as a rotational nose tackle at the NFL level. Most teams, regardless of their base scheme, can use a nose tackle like Jackson Jr. and his rare size, length, and strength will get him drafted earlier than typical for an athletically limited run stuffer.
Teams that make greater use of the blitz to scheme pressure could see more pass rush upside in Jackson Jr., if only for his ability to occupy blockers and create rushing lanes for blitzers. There will also be teams who believe his length and initial quickness could be harnessed to rush the passer, which could also boost his stock.
That said, Jackson Jr. might always be a depth player and a short-yardage specialist.
Does he fit the Giants? Potentially, depending on scheme and value
Final Word: A late Day 2 or early Day 3 value
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