Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas Height: 6'7"Weight: 280 lbsSchool: Arkansas YearTacklesQuarterback PressuresSacks202435387202331227202219194 Pros: Length: Landon Jackson has absolutely absurd length. It wouldn't be surprising if, at the Scouting Combine, Jackson ends up having the longest wingspan of all defenders in this class. His arm length allows him to use it to his advantage with a long-arm […]

Jon Helmkamp
Add as preferred source on Google
Landon Jackson
© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 280 lbs
School: Arkansas

YearTacklesQuarterback PressuresSacks

2024

35

38

7

2023

31

22

7

2022

19

19

4

Pros:

  • Length: Landon Jackson has absolutely absurd length. It wouldn't be surprising if, at the Scouting Combine, Jackson ends up having the longest wingspan of all defenders in this class. His arm length allows him to use it to his advantage with a long-arm move and helps him get off offensive tackles. 
  • Strength: Jackson has plenty of strength. It's apparent that the leverage and power created by his arm length aids in him quite literally pushing offensive linemen off of him. 
  • Pass rush: Jackson has a couple moves in his bag including a cross chop and the long-arm, which are effective. 
  • Edge-setting: Length and power allows Jackson to lock off opposing offensive linemen and set a good edge, which is valuable in run defense.

Cons

  • Lacks athleticism: This draft class is full of twitched up edge rushers that can speed rush at an incredibly high clip, and Jackson is not one of them. His length and power are obviously positives, but his athleticism and twitch are clear drawbacks in his profile.
  • Pad level: At times, Jackson can play too tall. At 6'7", if he's not careful, he can pop up and allow linemen to get into his chest.
  • Agility: Jackson also lacks agility and bend, something that is critical for the success of pass rushers at the next level. He can struggle to efficiently bend the corner, especially against offensive tackles with athleticism. 
  • Block shedding: Despite his incredible reach and strength, Jackson struggles to consistently get off blockers, and lacks explosive moves that can help with in the NFL. Hand placement, at times, plays a role in that. 

Player Evaluation:

Landon Jackson is a fascinating player to evaluate. On the surface, his frame and his absurd wingspan stands out as being NFL quality. His frame even allows for him to add bulk at the next level if he and his future team think that's the best plan for him.

That frame and length though is not matched by athletic traits that inspire a lot of confidence. While he can win with power and a long-arm move, the athleticism isn't there to consistently get to the corner. Jackson at times looks stiff and clunky in his movements. He profiles as a strong option with starting ability because of his length and power, which still has room to improve, but his athletic profile limits his eventual upside.

Player Comparison:

AJ Epenesa (Buffalo Bills)

Jackson has a similar build to current Buffalo Bill and 2020 2nd round pick AJ Epenesa. Coming out of college, Epenesa had more speed and better hands than Jackson, but with similar builds and limitations on flexibility, he comes to mind. Epenesa has topped out in his career as a rotational pass rusher with a career-high 6.5 sacks in 2022 and 2023. 

A to Z Rankings:

A to Z Big Board Ranking: #45 overall, #8 EDGE

A to Z Draft Grade: 7.77

Draft Projection: Day 2 (7.01-8.00)

Related Articles