Scouting Profile: Landon Jackson - EDGE - Arkansas
Sales Pitch: Explosive outside rusher w/ good production. Unorthodox frame and playstyle creates a murky projection but displays NFL caliber tools and technique.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Landon Jackson is a former 4-Star recruit from the state of Texas. He spent his Redshirt-Freshman season at LSU, before transferring to Arkansas. Jackson was a two-time 2nd Team All-SEC player, after posting back-to-back 7 sack seasons for the Razorbacks.
Jackson is an explosive athlete with a big hulking frame. He checks all the boxes NFL teams look for in terms of physical traits for a strong side end. Add in multiple years of high level production at the SEC level with a strong motor, he looks the part on paper. Jackson is at his best as a run defender in single gap schemes. He has the burst to create disruption attacking upfield and the pursuit range to make plays coming down the line. He displays plus play strength to take on blockers on the edge and squeeze his gap. He is also able to take on some two-gap responsibilities, because he as strong with accurate hands that allow him to shed blocks and fold back into the proper gap for the tackle. As a rusher Jackson is at his best outside the tackle’s shoulder, preferably in the Wide-9. His first step burst and strength make him a threat to win through either shoulder. He displays a good pass rush plan with a variety of primary and secondary moves. Jackson works his hands and feet in concert to open up the outside edge of tackles and take the corner. He has long strides to quickly close down and finish on quarterbacks.
Jackson looks the part of a big time edge rusher at the NFL level, but his unorthodox frame and play style create a difficult projection. He is excellent in straight lines but his high cut frame is extremely stiff and lacks lateral explosion. Jackson struggles to bend at his knees and lower his pad level as a run defender at the point of attack. Double teams and down blocks are able to get under him and drive him off the ball far too often. Despite a frame that would indicate odd front versatility, Jackson greatly struggled at Arkansas when asked to slide down to 4i as both a rusher and passer. His long frame takes a while to get untangled and creates issues rushing in a phone booth. His lack of flexibility and elongated upper half are a great target for lineman to punch at, knocking him off balance. Jackson lacks the typical bend of an edge rusher and has a hard time turning the corner. The closer he gets to the center the worse the more difficult it is for him to run the hoop.
Jackson profiles as a big end in an even front. His size, speed and production are all NFL quality, but only being able to fill a specific role will hurt his stock. Jackson projects to be a Day-2 pick because the league is in need of big ends who can rush the passer but finding a good fit might be tricky.