Former Florida State Seminole Darrell Jackson Jr has made the initial 53 man roster with the New York Jets as a backup defensive lineman. The two time All ACC honorable mention Jackson will be a key piece in Aaron Glens 4-3 hybrid defense.
Former Florida State Seminole Darrell Jackson Jr has made the 53-man roster with the New York Jets as a backup defensive lineman.
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Jackson was the first of two fourth-round draft picks (103rd overall), the Jets had in the 2026 NFL draft. The Jets made Jackson their fifth pick overall after picking three players in the first round, and one in the second round.
Jackson spent his last three seasons at Florida State where he was named Defensive Team MVP in 2025, and an All-ACC honorable mention in 2025 and 2024.
In 2025 the redshirt senior started all twelve games for Florida State and had a career-high 45 tackles, including three tackles for a loss. In 2024 he again started all twelve games while registering 32 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, and had a career-high 3.5 sacks.
Head coach and former Jets great Aaron Glen is in year two as Jets head coach, and year one did not go well as the Jets finished the season 3-14. Last season the Jets became the only team in NFL history to go through the season and not record one interception. The lack of pass rush could be a reason why the Jets struggled in the secondary, and the drafting of Jackson should help.
Additionally, in 2025 the Jets ranked 31st in scoring defense, 25th in total defense, and 29th in rush yards allowed. Again, another reason to draft Jackson.
Aside from Jackson, the Jets also drafted pass rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick, and traded for a 366-pound nose tackle in T’Vondre Sweat. Former Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson was traded away for Sweat after showing flashes, but ultimately injuries were the headline of his time with the Jets.
Glenn essentially spent this offseason rebuilding a defensive line that will need to be stout against the run, and opportunistic on pass downs. Glenn is switching the defense from 3-4 to a hybrid combining elements of a 4-3 and 3-4. Bringing in big guys to play over the guards and center should allow the edge guys more one-on-one pass rush opportunities.
Jackson is a versatile player who can line up over the center as a nose tackle, or play a more athletic position and line up as a traditional three technique (outside shade of the guard). Right now he's listed as a backup for Sweat, let's see if he can earn some reps this year and help Gang Green get a few stops, and force a few turnovers.
