Defensive tackle is one of the weaker position groups in this year’s draft. There’s talent at the top, in Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter and Clemson’s Peter Woods, but for the most part the depth is lacking. One intriguing option is FSU’s Darrell Jackson Jr. His trump card is his size as he is a towering force on the line of scrimmage. Jackson Jr. currently ranks as the DT8 and the 88th overall player on the LWOS Big Board.
Darrell Jackson Jr. 2026 NFL Draft Profile
Measurements*
Height: 6’5.5″
Weight: 315
Arm Length: 34 6/8″
Hand Size: 11″
*All confirmed at NFL Scouting Combine
Player Background
Darrell Jackson Jr. was a three-star recruit out of Gadsden County High School in Gadsden County, FA. Jackson’s college career was a diverse one. Out of high school, he committed to the University of Maryland. During his freshman season in 2021, he only started for the Terrapins’ last game of the season. Because of this, he sought the transfer portal for more playing opportunity. Ultimately, he ended up back in Florida at the University of Miami. This proved to be worthwhile for Jackson Jr., as he started every game for the Hurricanes. He racked up 18 tackles, 16 pressures, and 3 sacks.
Despite this success, Darrell Jackson Jr. decided to transfer again. It had nothing to do with football though. He transferred to Florida State, with the reason being because he wanted to be closer to his mother who was suffering from a medical condition. Jackson Jr. had to submit a hardship waiver request in order to play in 2023 as he had already transferred one time and was still an undergrad. Unfortunately, this request was denied by the NCAA, forcing him to sit out all of FSU’s games, with the exception of their bowl game, in 2023.
Darrell Jackson Jr. got right back to business in 2024 though. He had an exceptional return season, totaling 24 tackles, a whopping 30 pressures, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was an All-ACC honorable mention for his play. Also, he graduated with a social science degree in the Fall of 2024. His final collegiate season came in 2025. His production was down last season as he only had 28 tackles, 14 pressures and 1 sack. This was most likely the result of a slight role change, as he played significantly more Nose Tackle. Despite that, he was once again an All-ACC honorable mention and was also named the Defensive MVP of the team. Finally, he received invites to and participated in both the Senior Bowl and the Shrine Bowl.
Strengths
Can play both NT and DT with success
Elite size and length for the position
Uses that length well in the run game
Weaknesses
Needs to use his length better as a pass rusher
Doesn’t have a deep arsenal of pass rush moves
Not a fluid mover due to his size
Player Comparison:Bobby Brown III
Projected Draft Capital: Mid Day 3
Team Fits:New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings
Last Word on Darrell Jackson Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft
Darrell Jackson Jr. is the definition of a project prospect. He’s got the tools that defensive line coaches are going to love including his large frame, his elite length, and the power that those factors produce. He needs to learn how to truly use his body as a rusher though as it’s going to be much more difficult to win at the NFL level. At a baseline though, he has the ability to be a rotational player in run defense. In his final season at FSU, where he played more NT than he had before, his run defense grade (per PFF) was a 81.3 which is quite good. The perfect fit for him is a defense where he can assist in the run game while developing behind the scenes as a pass rusher. The Jets are actually a decent spot for that with new defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who helped many defensive tackles become solid players in Pittsburgh. He’d be able to rotate in for Harrison Phillips and newly acquired T’Vondre Sweat when needed. Overall, Darrell Jackson Jr. is someone that won’t contribute immediately, but could emerge from under-the-radar after some seasoning.