Florida State had more talent on its 2025 roster than some are willing to give credit for, despite its 5-7 record. FSU lost several games by one score or less, but it was the self-inflicted wounds that usually cost them wins.
They also lacked depth and were young in several positions. One of those areas was at defensive tackle, where senior Darrell Jackson Jr. anchored in the middle, often against double and triple teams. His willingness to do that allowed freshmen like Mandrell and Darryll Desir to have breakout seasons.
If the ravens can get Darrell Jackson from FSU that’s gone help out so much on that DL he fought triple teams all season long just turn on the film
— KB©️ (@KBDatGuyTho) January 24, 2026
It should have allowed more plays for FSU linebackers, but that was one of the worst units on defense. Nevertheless, Jackson Jr. has all of the measurables for an NFL player to go high in the 2026 NFL Draft:
FSU DT Darrell Jackson Jr Shrine Bowl measurements are everything I gawked about weeks ago
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 23, 2026
HT: 6-5 1/8 (92nd percentile)
WT: 328 lbs. (89%)
Hand: 11" (97%)
Arms: 35" (94%)
NT class🔥
Imagine this cat w/Ruke, Pearce, Walker, Harrison, Dorlus, & the Falcons…
🎥 @BengalsBrews https://t.co/aEv6cOdZGA pic.twitter.com/GqlZSFUNEN
Some Florida State fans didn’t understand Jackson’s role on defense. It’s why he didn’t have the production regarding tackles, tackles for a loss, QB sacks, etc. However, if you look at the footage from the Shrine Bowl practices, there is a reason teams usually sent two or more guys to block him:
Nasty bull rush by Florida State IDL Darrell Jackson Jr. causes the offensive lineman to lose his footing multiple times. He finishes with a quick swim move to break free completely. #ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/dhZmUcKhS4
— Thomas Christopher (@TommyCFB) January 23, 2026
6'5" Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State showed up at the @ShrineBowl and displayed some dominance early on!
— IanM (@IannmNFL) January 24, 2026
He measures 90+ percentile in arm length, hand size and height, and all of that was visible on the field!
One clip he even POPS the Center back and trips the QB. pic.twitter.com/Cv1Aup8JL3
Rooting for Darrell Jackson Jr. to go as high in the NFL Draft as possible because a lot of his family is depending on him to make it
Related Story: Former FSU transfer portal bust shows his true colors after entering the portal again
Let’s be clear, there are not many offensive linemen who are going to stop Darrell Jackson Jr. in a one-on-one situation when he's motivated. What I like the best about these drills is that it’s in full pads and none of that corny stuff you see from high school camps. It’s as close to a game simulation as possible, and he’s doing work.
Most NFL Draft projections have him going as late as the third round and as early as the second. If he can work his way into the second, that’s quite a difference in money made.