NFL Profile: Arkansas DE Landon Jackson

Ideal Fit in a Versatile Defensive Scheme

The team that drafts Jackson will be getting a scheme-versatile defender who can contribute in multiple ways. His best fit comes in a defense that emphasizes controlling the line of scrimmage and uses creative pressure packages to create favorable rush opportunities. Expect him to make an immediate impact against the run while his pass rush arsenal continues to expand. With proper coaching and further development of his hand usage and rush plans, Jackson has the tools to become a cornerstone defensive lineman who excels in early downs and contributes in passing situations.

Strengths:

• Length: Consistently drives back tight ends and creates immediate displacement against the run.
• Technique: Utilizes a strong cross-chop move and understands how to set up his counters.
• High football IQ: Maintains gap integrity and rarely gets caught out of position.
• Relentless motor: Plays from snap to whistle, routinely making hustle plays in pursuit and fighting through multiple blocks.
• Versatility: Has shown effectiveness from multiple alignments between 3-tech and wide-9.
• Natural power player: Converts speed to power effectively and can walk back tackles with a well-timed bull rush.

Weaknesses:

• Struggles to flatten and turn the corner against athletic tackles.
• Lacks explosive burst off the line and won’t consistently threaten the edge with pure speed.
• Allows blockers to get into his frame and stall his momentum.

Senior Bowl Performance Elevates Stock

Jackson may have earned himself a higher draft slot with his performance at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Starting for the National team, he was one of the standout defensive players, finishing with two tackles, one sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a strip-sack on former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart late in the second quarter. His strong showing reaffirmed his ability to impact the game at the next level.

NFL Projection

Landon Jackson led the Razorbacks with 6.5 sacks during the 2024 season, adding 9.5 tackles for loss, 49 tackles, and three pass deflections. He is widely viewed as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, though his stock could rise into the late first round with a strong pre-draft process. Teams seeking a reliable, scheme-versatile edge defender with a polished run-stopping ability and growing pass-rush upside will find Jackson to be an ideal selection.