Mock draft season is in full swing, and while the 2026 NFL Draft is still two years away, the projections are already generating buzz for Florida State fans. Despite recent team records, the Seminoles' pipeline to the pros remains active, with defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. emerging as the latest name on the radar.

According to a recent 2026 mock draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Jackson is projected to be a third-round selection, landing with the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 94. This continues a trend of FSU defenders hearing their names called, following 2025 picks like Azareye'h Thomas and Joshua Farmer.

Jackson, who earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors in both of his seasons at FSU, was a consistent force on the interior. Over 25 starts, he compiled 80 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, showcasing the disruptive skills that NFL teams covet in the trenches.

Reflecting on his time in Tallahassee, Jackson recently shared his gratitude on Instagram, highlighting the off-field bonds: "Some of my best memories aren't even from the field. They're from the brotherhood, the laughs, the long nights of film study... Those bonds become part of who you are forever."

While the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh is still on the distant horizon, this early projection signals that Jackson's hard work and FSU's development program are on the right track to produce the next wave of NFL talent.