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CBS Sports writer delivers good news for Darrell Jackson heading into NFL Draft

The former FSU defensive tackle could be in a position to make a late surge
ByCorey Long|
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Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson (DL16) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson (DL16) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is 10 days away and maybe Darrell Jackson Jr. could be in line for a late surge.

Jackson is the only FSU player that is expected to be selected in Pittsburgh next weekend. He's been projected to go anywhere from the middle of the third round to the top of the fifth round, somewhere in between the 75th and 150th picks. But Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports believes that Jackson could be very undervalued. He has the defensive tackle at No. 61 on his big board, 25 spots ahead of the consensus draft area for Jackson (No. 86).

The good news for Jackson is that nearly all recent projections have him somewhere in the third round or at the top of the fourth round, suggesting that the margin of picks has tightened to where his final draft position is likely inside the top 100. Off the hoof, Jackson is among the most physically impressive players in the entire draft. With this pre-draft body transformation, he's built like the Incredible Hulk. Jackson has been on several top-30 visits with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings getting an extra look. Those visits are used by teams that are usually grading a prospect within the first four rounds. 

Darrell Jackson could be surging in the final days before the NFL Draft

It makes sense that Jackson is so intriguing. He was playing an unfamiliar role last season that forced him to be heavier and take on a lot of double teams and, even though the performances might not have been as consistent as we wanted, Jackson showed great effort and some production despite being out of his element. If the NFL values anything, it's versatility.

With the right defensive line coach, Jackson could be more than just a good player. He could be an All-Pro type of force in the middle. The skill set is there, he just needs it to come together. There will be several teams interested in being the one that can get the best football out of him. 

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