Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State
Size:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 264 pounds
Arm Length: 32 3/4"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-Pac-12 (2023, 2022)
“Brennan Jackson is a high motor/effort edge player who can give valuable reps on run downs in the NFL early while he develops his pass-rush repertoire to be an impactful three-down player.”
Strengths:
High effort/motor
Physical presence in the run game
High IQ versus run/disciplined player
Alignment-versatile
Concerns:
Needs to build a pass-rush plan
Lower-body tightness
Tweener skill set
Film Analysis:
Brennan Jackson is an alignment-versatile defensive lineman who has the athleticism to play on the edges of the defense but also has the physical temperament and physicality in his game to reduce inside to a 4i or 3 tech for specific situations. He can provide valuable reps, especially against the run.
Playing the run, Jackson wins in multiple ways and is highly active, always putting himself around the football to make a play. On the front side of the run action, Jackson does a good job of collisioning offensive linemen and then can shoot his hands and create distance to be able to set a hard edge on the perimeter trying to maintain the integrity of the defense. On twists and stunts, Jackson has the athleticism to get into gaps and create backfield pressure. Jackson plays the run with an element of recklessness that makes him very disruptive. If he doesn't actually make the play, he will disrupt the structure of the play with his approach in pursuit of the play. Playing the backside of a run play, Jackson appears to be very disciplined as a player not over-pursuing or giving the ball-carrier any cut-back opportunities. On the other side, Jackson appears to understand when it's a good time to pursue backside and will give an all-out effort to chase ball-carriers and make a play. Jackson is an all-out effort player, which helps put him in situations to make positive plays defensively.
Jackson's needed improvements come from what he offers as a pass rusher. As of now, Jackson will flash a spin move, hand counters, and a rip move to get to the quarterback along with the effort to win. But as of now, his pass-rush plan lacks proper timing and an overall plan. Jackson needs to develop a plan from the snap and work the athleticism of the offensive tackles. On many reps, he doesn't stress the offensive tackle laterally to move them off their spot so he can set up a move. Oftentimes he takes a direct line to the offensive tackles to try and bull rush them which has minimal results. Jackson appears to be an above-average athlete who can take more dynamic angles to try and get to the quarterback so at the very least he can set up his counter moves. Jackson's athletic profile combined with his high motor should result in a more consistent ability to pressure quarterbacks, but there needs to be a developed plan for him to win.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Wisconsin (2023), Oregon State (2023), Oregon (2023), Washington (2023)
