Landon Jackson is an imposing physical specimen from Arkansas, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 264 lbs. His frame is well-suited for the NFL, with the size and length to be a force on the edge. Jackson’s arm length measures 33 1/4 inches, which falls in the 48th percentile for his position. His hand size is 10 inches, placing him in the 55th percentile.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Jackson showcased his athleticism with an impressive 40.5-inch vertical jump, surpassing even NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He also recorded a solid 4.68-second 40-yard dash and a broad jump of 129 inches. These numbers demonstrate his explosive lower-body power and straight-line speed, which are valuable traits for an edge defender.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Strengths
Run Defense
Jackson excels as a run defender, showcasing elite hand power and length to reset the line of scrimmage and control blocks. His ability to set the edge is particularly noteworthy, as he consistently anchors against pulling guards and redirects running backs. Jackson’s play strength is evident in his ability to bench press offensive linemen and create space, allowing him to react quickly to running back cuts.
Power and Leverage
Despite his height, Jackson plays with natural leverage and uses his strength effectively at the point of attack. He consistently drives back tight ends and creates immediate displacement against the run. This power translates to his pass rush, where he can convert speed to power and walk back tackles when he times up his bull rush.
Technique and Hand Usage
Jackson demonstrates advanced hand technique in his pass rush, employing a nasty cross-chop move and setting up his counters effectively. His technical refinement gives him a high floor as a defender and suggests room for further growth at the next level.
Versatility
Teams will appreciate Jackson’s scheme versatility. He has shown the ability to win from multiple alignments, ranging from 3-technique to wide-9. This flexibility allows defensive coordinators to utilize him in various packages and situations.
Motor and Intangibles
Jackson plays with a relentless motor from snap to whistle, routinely making hustle plays in pursuit and fighting through multiple blocks. His high football IQ is evident in his run fits, as he maintains gap integrity and rarely gets caught out of position. Off the field, Jackson projects as a no-nonsense team player with a strong work ethic and desire to excel.
Weaknesses
Pass Rush Flexibility
While Jackson has shown growth in his pass rush repertoire, he still struggles with bend and flexibility around the arc. His tight hips create challenges when turning the corner against athletic tackles, limiting his ability to flatten and close on the quarterback.
Initial Burst
Jackson’s get-off is described as more methodical than explosive. This lack of an elite first step may hinder his ability to consistently threaten the edge with pure speed at the NFL level.
Pad Level
Due to his height and high-cut frame, Jackson can sometimes play too high, especially in his pass rush. This allows blockers to get into his frame and stall his momentum, reducing his effectiveness.
Pass Rush Plan
While Jackson has shown improvement in this area, he still relies heavily on power moves and needs to expand his repertoire of pass rush techniques. Developing a more complete pass rush plan will be crucial for his success against NFL-caliber offensive linemen.
NFL Projection
Landon Jackson projects as a starting base end in an even front or strong-side defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. His combination of size, power, and technical refinement gives him an extremely high floor as a run defender from day one. While he may not profile as a double-digit sack artist immediately, his ability to set a strong edge and push the pocket will make him a valuable early-down player with upside to develop into an every-down force.
Jackson’s best fit comes in a defense that emphasizes controlling the line of scrimmage and uses creative pressure packages to create favorable rush opportunities. He has the potential to make an immediate impact against the run while his pass rush arsenal continues to expand.
His skill set and physical traits draw comparisons to Alex Highsmith coming out of Charlotte – a power-based edge defender who wins with length, technique, and relentless effort more than pure explosiveness. Another apt comparison is Emmanuel Ogbah, suggesting Jackson’s potential as a solid NFL starter.
Draft Projection
Before the Combine, Jackson was projected as a second-round pick. However, his impressive athletic testing, particularly his vertical jump, may have boosted his stock. While he may not crack the first round, Jackson is likely to be an early Day 2 selection, with teams valuing his combination of size, strength, and production against SEC competition.
In conclusion, Landon Jackson offers an intriguing blend of physical tools, technical skill, and high-motor play that should translate well to the NFL. While he may need time to develop as a pass rusher, his immediate impact in the run game and potential for growth make him a valuable prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
