Oklahoma Sooners defensive star is showing off what he’s spent his offseason doing to only get better at the one weakness in his game
The Oklahoma Sooners have a ton of defensive weapons on their team, and defensive tackle Jayden Jackson is one of the best.
Over the last few years, the Oklahoma Sooners have produced elite defensive linemen. Most notably, it feels like they are sending elite edge rushers to the draft.
Everyone knows about Denver Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who is one of the very best in the league. Now, R Mason Thomas is on the Kansas City Chiefs. Gracen Halton was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. Interior defensive lineman Jayden Jackson could be next, too. He plays the role of a nose tackle, or 1T too good not to be drafted.
Recently, he posted a video of himself working out and doing pass-rush drills. This should only make fans even more excited. I wouldn’t say Jackson has many flaws, if any, but if he did, it would be pass rush from that inside spot where it’s very hard to get to the QB. He’s obviously working on that. If Jackson comes out and does great in the pass rush department, he could find himself taken in the first round of the upcoming draft. Then he would be matching his teammate, who may also go that early.
Jayden Jackson can feed off of David Stone
David Stone is projected to be a first-round pick next offseason. He can play in both odd and even man fronts at both nose tackle and 3-5 technique. However, his best role will likely be as a 1T, someone who can stop the run, eat up space, and also get in the backfield and in the QB’s face at an extremely high rate.
Stone demonstrated solid pad level, notable length, and substantial power despite limited experience. He contributed significantly to the Sooners’ defensive line performance last season. Stone recorded 26 total pressures, ranking behind R Mason Thomas, Gracen Halton, and Taylor Wein. Thomas and Halton just got drafted, and Wein could be a first-round pick as well in 2027.
Stone was credited with 27 stops last season, meaning plays ended behind or at the line of scrimmage. He achieved the highest run defense grade in the country through three-quarters of last season, according to Pro Football Focus. His average depth of tackle was one yard, with 24 tackles recorded. Stone’s sack statistics reflect his rotational role and position behind senior teammates in a frequently rotated defensive line. Stone certainly feels like a player the Raiders would be interested in taking next season.