In the NFL Draft, teams will often gamble on prospects with outstanding athleticism , or elite physical traits, especially early on in the draft. Today’s report takes a deeper look at one of these prospects, Landon Jackson from the University of Arkansas.
From deep in the heart of Texas (well, Texarkana, Texas) Landon made an impression early on in his high school career, recording 45 sacks over his career, 17 of these as a junior. In high school. As a four star recruit, Landon would eventually commit to LSU, but transfer to Arkansas after his freshman year.
In 2022 (his first year with the razorbacks), Landon would play in all 13 games, starting 7, and tally 23 tackles, 3.5tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. His 2023 season would be his best season yet, as he lead the Razorbacks with 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, on his way to Second Team All-SEC honors from the associated press, and First Team All-SEC honors by the SEC coaches.
His tape versus Alabama in 2023 is an amazing watch (11 tackles, 3.5 sacks), especially versus some top tier offensive linemen at Alabama. His 2024 season has been rolling well, including an amazing game versus Texas A&M, where he recorded 8 tackles and 2 sacks.
Player Info
Name: Landon Jackson
Jersey: No. 40
Position: Edge Rusher
School: University of Arkansas
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 280 lbs.
Landon Jackson’s Strengths
Landon has an amazing first step quickness off the snap of the ball, which allows him to disrupt plays early and often. He also has a motor that doesn’t stop, as he plays through the whistle quite often, which leads to second-effort plays.
Landon also uses his hands effectively to shed blocks from offensive linemen and execute his array of pass rush moves. He also is a versatile defender, who has the capability to play multiple positions along the defensive line in a wide array of defenses.
Landon’s frame (6-7, 280 lbs.) is also very physically imposing, and this size paired with a strong football IQ, makes Landon an avengers-level threat versus opposing offensive linemen at the next level.
Landon Jackson’s Weaknesses
Landon has a tendency to play with a higher than average pad level, which means that he is often leaving a lot of leverage on the table versus offensive linemen. He also shows a stiffness in moving laterally, which can hinder his ability to change directions quickly.
Landon also needs to develop his array of pass rush moves at the next level, to help diversify his attack in the trenches.
Draft Projection
I currently have a first round grade on Landon Jackson, and he is near the top of my edge rusher big board. Some teams that will be salivating over his physical toolkit, and should look to take him in round 1:
- Cincinnati Bengals (This move is made to give Trey Hendrickson a running mate, as well as spell Trey and allow Landon to run the show versus AFC North tackles.)
- Los Angeles Chargers (With Khalil Mack on the last year of his deal, and Joey Bosa getting older, Landon has the ability to take somewhat of a redshirt year, coming in on a rotational basis, and then moving to a full time edge role in 2026.)
- New Orleans Saints (Cameron Jordan is getting up there in years, and Chase Young hasn’t shown the Chase of old. Landon would come in and immediately give this edge rusher room in New Orleans some immediate juice.)
Any team selecting Landon is doing so knowing he has a physical toolkit and explosive first step to come in from day 1 and make an immediate impact at edge rusher. He can either be a threat along the edge as a run defender or as a pass rusher as well.
In order to become a star, he will need to work on keeping his pad level lower to gain additional leverage, as well as working on his stiffness when moving laterally. Both of these are easily coachable at the next level, meaning spending a first round selection on Landon would be a worthwhile endeavor.
My comparison for Landon Jackson: Aiden Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
