Jets rookie Darrell Jackson Jr. can turn preseason opener into a personal launchpad

As it turns out, David Bailey isn’t the only New York Jets rookie defender standing out during training camp.

Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr., a fourth-round pick from Florida State, has turned heads throughout the summer, especially when he’s worked with the first-team defense. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Jackson reportedly continued his strong summer during this week’s joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, Jackson moves “incredibly well” and notably impressed during 1-on-1 drills. Hughes added that a general manager told him that the rookie “does things you can’t coach,” specifically pointing out his size and strength. 

“It’s kind of surprising the Jets got him when they did,” Hughes wrote. Indeed, Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn landed Jackson at No. 103 this past April.

What New York Jets fans must know about rookie defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.

Understandably, Cade Klubnik is the fourth-round pick who has drawn the most attention throughout the Jets’ offseason, but Jackson has nonetheless made his presence felt. He took advantage of T’Vondre Sweat’s recent hamstring injury and the Quinnen Williams-sized hole the Jets haven’t truly filled yet.

Jackson began his career at Maryland, racking up 22 tackles as a true freshman in 2021. As has become the norm in college football, Jackson entered the transfer portal and subsequently had three sacks and four ½ TFLs for Miami. Although he transferred to Florida State ahead of the 2023 season, NCAA complications forced him to sit all but one game that year. 

Without any NCAA problems holding him back, Jackson recorded seven TFLs and 4 ½ sacks over his final 24 games at Florida State.

NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein projected Jackson as a fourth-round pick in a pre-draft scouting report and suggested that a team could find “unmined gold” in the ex-Seminoles lineman. However, Zierlein expressed doubts about Jackson’s long-term ability to power through opposing linemen.

“While he’s an enormous interior presence with impressive physical features, Jackson’s inconsistencies are partially rooted in flawed fundamentals and technique,” Zierlein wrote. 

Outside of Bailey and the quarterbacks, Jackson could prove to be among the most important players to watch on Friday night. All signs point to him playing with the starting defense at some point, and Glenn should strongly consider giving Jackson the entire first half, even when the first-team defenders head to the bench. The more preseason reps, the better, especially for a fourth-round rookie and developmental option.

Jackson is experienced, but he lacks the accolades of other rookies. He wasn’t an All-ACC defender at Miami or FSU, nor did he enjoy team success while playing for the Seminoles. Missing out on both the College Football Playoff and bowl games the last two years cost him valuable snaps.

But Jackson has his chance to shine, and he’s maximizing every opportunity that’s come his way. At this rate, it won’t be long before he has his own hype train speeding through East Rutherford.

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