2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Sawyer (DE – Ohio State)

As the college football season barrels toward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Jack Sawyer.

• 2024 NFL Draft Guide
• 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DL | EDGE | LB | S | CB
• 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Sawyer

Jack Sawyer (DE – Ohio State)

6’4″ – 265 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit who was widely considered the top player at his position back in 2021. Rotated into the defense a bit as a true freshman, finishing with 173 snaps and an 11-3.0-3.0 line. Started three games the following year but typically rotated in, finishing with 329 total snaps and 24-6.5-4.5. Has been working as a full-time starter this year and is enjoying an effective season, although it hasn’t always showed up on the stat sheet.

Positives:

Well-built defensive end who looks the part. High-energy player who fires out low. Plays with discipline and patience in the run game, maintaining his gap discipline and funneling runners back inside. Anchors well at the line of scrimmage, with good knee bend to compete in the leverage battle. Uses his length well to lock out opponents. Active with power in his hands to swipe and discard. Shows impressive contact balance to stay on track. Rangy athlete in pursuit, showing a good motor. Has an explosive first step to threaten the edge with speed in the passing game. Brings some variety in his rush approach. Flashes the ability to dip his shoulder and bend back to the passer, with what looks like solid ankle/hip flexibility. Flashes a nice inside move to take advantage of tackles who overset. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes. Has clean footwork to make limited drops into zone coverage (spot drops, occasionally carrying backs into the flat.)

Negatives:

Makes a real impact, but never really broke out and had the type of statistical production he was expected to. Will occasionally lapse into throwing a shoulder at opponents rather than engaging with his hands. Slightly late to disengage at times, letting some blockers get into his pads. Weight distribution and pad level looks off at times as he tries to turn the corner as a speed rusher. Can get too far upfield and take himself out of the play.

Summary:

A big, long defensive end with a well-rounded game. May not have had ideal statistical production with the Buckeyes, but it’s hard to find many flaws with the on-field product. Has an explosive first step, taking on and shedding blocks effectively in the run game and varying his rush approach, with the ability to win in different ways. Scheme-versatile and relatively polished game should make him a second-day pick, even in an edge class which is relatively deep.

Projection: Round 2-3