When the New York Jets selected Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, they added a versatile defensive tackle with a unique journey to the pros. At 6'5" and 315 pounds, Jackson brings a blend of size, athleticism, and determination that has scouts and fans alike eager to see what he can do in green and white.
Jackson's path to the NFL wasn't a straight line. A three-star recruit out of high school, he began his college career at Maryland, where he started one game as a freshman and tallied 22 tackles. Looking for a bigger role, he transferred to Miami and started all 12 games in 2022, recording 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. But family called, and Jackson transferred again—this time to Florida State to be closer to his mother during a health crisis. A denied hardship waiver forced him to sit out the entire regular season, though he did start the team's bowl game and made three tackles.
Once on the field for the Seminoles, Jackson became a full-time starter and earned All-ACC honorable mention honors in both 2024 and 2025. His production grew: 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024, followed by a career-high 45 tackles in 2025. He also impressed during Senior Bowl week and at the scouting combine, solidifying his draft stock right where analysts expected—the fourth round.
What makes Jackson especially intriguing is his physical transformation. He entered college at 274 pounds but bulked up to 337 before settling at 315 for pre-draft testing. That number is significant: it's the exact playing weight of former Jets Pro Bowl defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. And the comparisons don't end there. Both players share a similar frame and style of play, giving Jets fans reason to dream on Jackson's potential to develop into a disruptive force in the trenches.
Whether he's clogging running lanes or pushing the pocket, Jackson's story of perseverance and growth makes him a player to watch as the Jets build their defensive identity. For fans looking to rep their new favorite lineman, a fresh jersey might be the perfect way to welcome him to the fold.