The New York Jets swooped up the Seminoles nose tackle in the fourth round. How will he fit Gang Green?
The New York Jets chose Florida State's Darrell Jackson as their fifth selection at No. 103 overall.
Jackson entered projected to go as high as third round. Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network, though, handed him a fourth round grade.
New York ran a 4-3 look on defense last season. But FSU fans will understand better why the nose tackle is getting inserted here, as NolesRoundtable breaks down Jackson's fit with NYJ.
Defensive Switch Persuades Move
Head coach Aaron Glenn will flip to a 3-4 scheme next season.
Guess what three-man fronts need? A valuable nose tackle over the center.
Hence why Jackson landing here begins to make sense. Jackson is used to tangling with centers and guards already as a past 335-pounder.
His lateral movement handed Jackson an advantage at filling gaps and redirecting the running play. Every 3-4 scheme needs someone who can occupy space.
Jets Pivoting to new Type of DL
This franchise trusted undrafted players to play in a rotation inside the defensive line.
Offenses took immediate advantage and ran through the untested trench defenders.
Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker get someone who knows NT. Plus adds someone who fell before the fifth round.
Jackson presents more than an imposing frame. He's equipped with the long arms needed to keep guards and centers in check.
Is Jackson too 'Thin' However?
It's a serious question, as Jackson now could pass as a three-technique defensive tackle.
He's entering the league way lighter at 315 pounds.
But the weight drop off helped boost his stock. He also wanted to ensure he has the stamina to stay on the field.
Jackson still presents the strength and power for the nose position.
Who Jackson Competes With at NT
He won't be the only NT option in the middle of the defensive trenches.
T'Vondre Sweat was a 2024 second round pick by the Jets who fits the role.
But there's another true nose tackle in this equation here. A former first rounder at that.
Mazi Smith is another NT option after going on day one of the 2023 draft to the Dallas Cowboys. Smith delivered a promising 2024 season featuring 41 tackles including four for a loss. But Smith brings previous Jets experience into this room.
Will Jackson Thrive Here?
Too early to tell. A lot depends on how he fares during training camp and preseason and if he can adjust to the NFL speed.
But he's got a chance to join the two-deep at NT and challenge for goal line or short-yardage situations the Jets face.
Overall, he fills a big need for Glenn and company. The head coach should love his work ethic and lateral quickness along the line. Now it comes down to how he's utilized and if he can adjust to the league.
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