Interior defensive line was the most noticeable position in need of improvement on the New Orleans Saints defense in 2025. Despite that, the team did virtually nothing to add to the area in free agency. Perhaps they'll add a player here in the 2026 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson from the Florida State Seminoles could be one draft possibility.
In Brandon Staley's base 3-4 system, the Saints have yet to find a consistent nose tackle. Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee are solid ends in the odd-man front, but the middle rotation of Davon Godchaux, John Ridgeway III, and Khristian Boyd were underwhelming. It's not a sexy position full of statistical production, but one in need of an upgrade for the Saints.
From Gadsden County High School in Florida, Jackson made the trek north to the Maryland Terrapins to start his collegiate career. He was with the Terrapins for only one year in 2021, making 22 tackles while appearing in every contest before transferring to the Miami Hurricanes in 2022. Jackson had a strong campaign for the Hurricanes that season, compiling 3 sacks and 4.5 stops for loss. However, he'd transfer again after the 2022 season, landing with the Florida State Seminoles.
Jackson was only able to play in one game during 2023 because NCAA guidelines for a hardship transfer had not been granted. He'd be back on the field full-time for Florida State in 2024, finishing with 32 tackles that included 4 stops for loss and 3.5 sacks. In 2025, Jackson had a career-best 45 stops, including a sack and 3 tackles for negative yardage.
Good drive into blockers to get backfield penetration
Has the reach and strength to bring down runners with arm tackles
Plays too upright, allowing blockers to get into his frame
Needs to increase power and strengthen his base (gets moved out of gaps too easily)
Many projections have Jackson as high as a second or third round pick. His numbers and positional fit could cause him to slip into the third day. Jackson seems like a 'tweener' that could be most effective as an end in a 3-4 front or tackle in four-man fronts. However, his natural power and frame that could allow him to add bulk also gives him the possibility of a nose tackle.
The Saints have players who fit well as big ends when they line up in a 3-4 and slide inside if they employ a four-man front. What they don't have is a prototype nose tackle, a must for Brandon Staley. If they target Jackson, he brings the versatility to challenge Nathan Shepherd on the end but could add the bulk to be part of their nose tackle rotation.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. scouting report