NFL Draft weekend has arrived, and Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. could once again extend one of college football’s most durable streaks.
Jackson is expected to be the lone Seminole selected when the draft begins Thursday night, with the first round set for 8 p.m. ET. If his name is called, Florida State will have produced an NFL draft pick in 42 consecutive years. It would also mark the third straight year an FSU defensive lineman has been drafted, following Joshua Farmer in 2024 and Jared Verse and Braden Fiske the year before.
Jackson played in three of his final five collegiate seasons and finished his career with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Teams have been drawn to his measurables — a 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame with a 7-foot-2 wingspan — along with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. A two-time All-ACC selection, Jackson is projected as a Day 2 pick and could come off the board as early as the second round.
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Jackson could provide an immediate upgrade to Minnesota’s interior defensive line. His size and length fit the Vikings’ preference for disruptive defensive tackles who can hold up against the run. With Minnesota expected to address the position early, Jackson is a realistic mid-second-round option.
Baltimore consistently prioritizes physicality and depth along the defensive front, making Jackson a natural fit. He could slide into a three-man rotation and complement standout tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, absorbing double teams and creating opportunities for others. The Ravens could target Jackson early in the third round.
The Jaguars are looking to reinforce a defensive line built around veteran talent. Jackson would add depth to a rotation that includes Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead and Travon Walker, while giving Jacksonville another interior presence capable of playing multiple roles along the front.
Buffalo struggled against the run last season and could benefit from adding a versatile, big-bodied defensive tackle. Jackson’s ability to line up across the front would help solidify the interior rotation, particularly in short-yardage situations. He could compete for snaps at nose tackle and bolster the Bills’ run defense.
The Giants are expected to continue building depth along their defensive line on Day 2 of the draft. Jackson’s size and strength would give New York a reliable interior option who can contribute against the run and provide positional flexibility, even if he is not a high-volume pass rusher.
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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU's Darrell Jackson Jr. NFL Draft projections