The 2024 Arkansas Razorbacks saw quite a bit of success defensively. Namely, they finished with a top-40 run defense among all Division 1 schools. A major driving force of this defensive success was EDGE rusher Landon Jackson. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching the question of what Landon Jackson’s professional prospects look like take centerstage. With that, here’s a 2025 NFL Draft scouting report on Landon Jackson.
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson
Measurables
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 273 lbs
Player Background
Landon Jackson is a hulking EDGE rusher prospect who has had high expectations at every step of his college. Emerging as a four-star recruit out of Texarkana, Texas, Jackson committed to play college football for the LSU Tigers. The Pleasant Grove High School graduate would last one season with the Tigers, before transferring to Arkansas in December of 2021. Throughout his college career, Jackson accumulate numerous accolades. Namely, he was honored with a first-team all-sec nod as voted on by the coaches. His 2024 season was statistically similar to 2023, notching 6.5 sacks in both of these years. Numbers aside, the question remains whether or not Jackson’s game will translate to the NFL level.
Strengths
When evaluating Landon Jackson’s tape, his unmistakable size jumps out first. While he is about average in measurables like arm length, he is a powerful body type which correlates to his play style. Jackson is a much better run defender than he is as a pass rusher. He has an excellent ability to generate space by bench pressing offensive linemen and reacting to a running back’s cut. Jackson is also excellent at setting the edge against wide zones and other runs with a wide aiming point. His play against the run is translatable across the defensive line, with snaps at three and five-technique having similar amounts of success as his edge play.
This play strength did not go unnoticed by his opponents. Teams often doubled Jackson. Whether that was as minimal as a chip on a tight end release, or designed doubles in the run game, teams were clearly aware of where Jackson was on the field. This simple fact showing up across multiple opponents may be Jackson’s biggest selling point for teams come draft time.
His strengths are a bit more sparse as a pass rusher, but he does seem to go into pass rushes with a plan and counter. If he was to win at the next level, it would be due to this intelligence and diligence that he brings to his attacks against the line. This intelligence also comes with a certain tenacity in his game, as Jackson is an aggressive player overall in between the whistle.
Weaknesses
Jackson is much more underwhelming as a pass rusher when evaluating his game. He has average bend and can play stiff at times. This lacking athleticism was especially evident in the rare situations where he would need to drop into coverage. While his hands are sophisticated, they do lack a bit of suddenness and violence that you would expect from someone with his play style. His balance is also questionable at times, with linemen occasionally capitalizing on a top heavy pass rush by throwing him by and then to the ground. Given the frequency with which he is double teamed, you would also like to see him play these a bit better. He can get a bit complacent, meeting doubles with his shoulder before deploying his strength.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
NFL coaches are sure to fall in love with Jackson’s consistent play against the run and ferocious, hulking play style. While those aspects of his game could be dialed up a bit further in things like his hand usage, it is an overall mindset that is desirable by all. Bringing less as a pass rusher may knock Jackson down draft boards a bit, as he could be better suited as a two down player in the NFL. The discussion around Landon Jackson places him firmly on the day one/two border. If a team falls in love with his run defense, it will be an early night for Jackson. However, his play does seem more conducive to a day two selection in the modern NFL.
Main Image: Nelson Chenault – USA Today Sports
The post 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Landon Jackson appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.