2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Landon Jackson (DE – Arkansas)

As the College Football season barrels toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Landon Jackson.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Landon Jackson

Landon Jackson (DE – Arkansas)

6’7″ – 281 lbs.

Background:

Originally attended LSU, appearing in five games as a true freshman before transferring to Arkansas. Totaled 23-3.5-3.0 over 499 snaps last season, starting most games, and is having a much stronger year so far in 2023, which has really put him on the map.

Positives:

Two-year starter for a major program and has been significantly better this year. Tall, long defensive end who traditionally plays outside the tackle as a seven-technique, but can slide inside or even take some snaps out of a two-point stance. Plays with discipline and patience as a run defender. Capable of locking out blockers and holding the point of attack; even managed pretty well against double-teams during the games reviewed. Does a good job of locating the ball and shedding blocks at the appropriate time. Shows the ability to make tackles while engaged. Shows good backside discipline in the run game. Rush approach doesn’t compromise the integrity of the team’s run fits. Has impressive lower-body flexibility to bend back to the passer when speed-rushing. Uses his hands well to set up opponents and win around the edge. Active with his hands to counter when his initial rush isn’t successful; gets depth and can successfully redirect back to the passer, sometimes with a spin. Speed rush sets up the inside move when working off the edge. Motor could land him some second-effort or coverage sacks.

Negatives:

Most of his sacks this season came in one game, albeit against Alabama. Frame is somewhat linear, and height can affect his pad level at times. Reaction times to the snap are somewhat inconsistent. Still developing his repertoire of rush moves. Somewhat straightforward power-rusher on the interior and doesn’t have the most powerful bull-rush, despite (or perhaps because of) his size. Also doesn’t appear to have too much explosive power. Can be a bit of a leaner. Gives good effort in pursuit, but overall range is relatively limited. Tore his ACL back in 2021.

Summary:

An interesting prospect in that his frame would potentially suggest a five-technique defensive end, but his ability to use his hands and win around the edge in the passing game is more important to his success than power. He already plays the run well, with very good discipline and awareness, so as he continues to develop functional strength and diversifies his repertoire on passing downs, could develop into a quality starter. Currently looks best-suited to playing as a strongside end on a four-man line, probably in a two-gap scheme.

Projection: Round 2