Landon Jackson walked into the NFL Scouting Combine with questions about his athleticism. He walked out with numbers that shut down the debate. The Arkansas defensive end put on a show, delivering one of the most impressive performances of the day among edge rushers and solidifying his status as a premier prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
At 6’6, 264 pounds, Jackson ran a blazing 4.68 second 40 yard dash, recorded a 40.5 inch vertical jump, and hit a 10 foot 9 broad jump. Numbers like that do more than just check boxes; they force teams to rethink where he belongs on their draft boards.
His 40.5-inch vertical jump was the best among defensive linemen at the combine and placed him in elite company. Only three other defensive linemen weighing 260 pounds or more have ever cleared 40 inches: Myles Garrett, Mario Williams, and Shemar Stewart. Garrett and Williams both went first overall in their respective drafts. Then Stewart is a rookie prospect in this upcoming draft class alongside Jackson. This form of extreme athleticism and explosiveness is rare and will be highly coveted this upcoming draft.
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Jackson’s 10-foot-9 broad jump ranked second among all edge rushers, proving that his lower-body explosion translates to power off the line. His 86 Athleticism Score, the highest among edge defenders per NFL Next Gen Stats, further underscores his elite physical tools.
Jackson’s combine numbers are not just impressive on paper; they translate directly to his game on the field. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness makes him a nightmare matchup for offensive tackles. His 4.68 second 40 yard dash is fast for any edge rusher, but especially considering Landon’s size it is phenomenal. Offensive linemen who lack quick feet will struggle heavily to keep this athletic monster contained.
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Beyond his raw athleticism, Jackson’s technical refinement is also a strength. Over the past two seasons at Arkansas, he recorded 6.5 sacks in each campaign, demonstrating consistency as a pass-rusher. He wins with a combination of length, power, and advanced hand-fighting techniques. His devastating cross-chop move has embarrassed offensive linemen, and he understands how to set up his pass-rush counters effectively.
Jackson is not just a pass-rusher, though. He is a well-rounded defender. He plays with natural leverage despite his height, making him an excellent edge-setter against the run. His ability to anchor and redirect pulling guards gives him immense value as a three-down lineman. Additionally, his high football IQ allows him to maintain gap integrity and avoid getting caught out of position.
Another standout trait is his relentless motor. Jackson plays from snap to whistle, frequently making hustle plays in pursuit and fighting through multiple blockers. His versatility is also a major asset, as he has experience rushing from various alignments, ranging from three-technique to a wide-nine stance.
Before the combine, Jackson was widely projected as a solid day 2 pick, likely going in the second round. However, after his outstanding performance, his stock is on the rise. If a team prioritizes elite athletic traits and versatility, he could sneak into the late first round. The Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions stand out as logical fits, given their need for an athletic edge defender who can disrupt opposing offenses.
The Chiefs are fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the dominant Eagles’ defensive line and could use Jackson’s explosiveness to bolster their pass rush taking note from their conquerer. Playing alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, Jackson could thrive in Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defensive scheme. Meanwhile, the Lions are building an imposing defense under Dan Campbell and could use Jackson’s skill set opposite of Aidan Hutchinson to create a dominant edge duo. Pairing Jackson with a dominant force on the opposite of the defensive line would be phenomenal for Landon’s development as an extremely high upside defensive lineman.
While a first-round selection is not guaranteed, Jackson’s performance has significantly elevated his draft stock. At worst, he is a second round pick, but with his rare combination of size, speed, and skill he may have done enough to hear his name called on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Photo Credits: Clutch Points and The Arkansas Democrat Gazette
