Brennan Jackson Draft Networking Interview: 'I’m Going To Make Good Things Happen' (Interviews)
Interviews

Brennan Jackson Draft Networking Interview: 'I’m Going To Make Good Things Happen'

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Washington State EDGE Brennan Jackson is among the most underrated pass rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jackson recorded career highs in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (12.5) this past season, bringing his two-year total to 14.5 sacks. Jackson then went to the NFL Combine and ran a 4.69 40 at 265 pounds and had a 33.5-inch vertical. Jackson enters the draft as a productive and athletic prospect as a result.

Jackson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his production, performance at the NFL Combine, pass rush arsenal, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.

JM: I thought you took an exciting step forward this season. You recorded career highs in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (12.5). You had 14.5 sacks across your final two seasons. What led to the uptick in production?

Brennan Jackson: I think the biggest thing is that I never got complacent with where I was. I played for a coaching staff that pushed me to be great every single day. I understood that even if you’re an every-down starter, even if you’re a captain, there are always so many areas of your game that can improve.

It was about continuing to push forward to get better in every area I could. That was a huge reason why my production took a jump every single season. I never allowed myself to get complacent.

JM: That’s an awesome approach. You also recovered four fumbles this season. That's astounding. Do you have a knack for making those plays around the ball? Where does it come from?

Brennan Jackson: I absolutely have a knack for making those plays. You make plays in a football game by ensuring you’re living around the ball. I developed that from growing up with my dad in all honesty. He always told me that the best thing you can do on defense is to be in the frame.

Wherever the ball is, always be around it. Be where the ball-carrier is because you never know what’s going to happen. That’s been evident throughout my career. I made a ton of plays by simply running to the ball. I show effort, hustle, and pursuit on every single play. 

That’s a big reason why I’m always prepared for those moments. I’ve been playing the game that way my entire life.

JM: We love your mentality. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? When I look at your production, what are your go-to moves and counters?

Brennan Jackson: The biggest thing for me is converting speed to power. I want to get physical off the line early. I want to make offensive linemen stop their feet and fear the bull rush because the quickest way to the quarterback is to go right through a guy.

Once he starts to set his feet and be a little hesitant to get back too far, and really prepare for speed to power, I can hit him with side-swipes to the outside, dip my head in, and make him sit. I like my spin move as well. I’ve developed the spin over these past few seasons. I’ve had a few good reps spinning right out of there.

JM: You have a diverse arsenal. You put forth an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.69 40 at 265 pounds. You also had a 33.5-inch vertical. Were you satisfied with the performance?

Brennan Jackson: Yeah, I was, but I’m always my own harshest critic as well. I’m always trying to push myself further. There were some different numbers I wanted to hit. At the end of the day, it was a really good showcase for my athleticism.

It was an especially good performance considering I picked up a little ankle injury at the Senior Bowl. The opportunity to go out there and compete was awesome.

JM: Have you noticed an uptick in the attention you’re receiving from NFL scouts since the combine?

Brennan Jackson: Yeah, absolutely I have. Things have ramped up the past few weeks leading into the draft. I’m just extremely thankful to be in this position. As a kid, I grew up excited to watch the draft on TV. Being in this position myself, it’s been an absolute blessing.

I thank everyone who has gotten me into this position. I thank God of course. It’s been an amazing process.

JM: Have you met with any teams throughout this process, whether in person or virtually?

Brennan Jackson: I’ve met with a bunch of teams virtually. We’ve done some early install work. We’re watching my film and getting a grasp of my football IQ I met with every team in person at the Senior Bowl as well.

I’ve gotten to know teams as well. It feels like I’ve done more and more meetings with each passing week. I spent a lot of the time with the Jets, Giants, and Bills before the combine. More recently, it's been the Broncos, Falcons, Cowboys, and Bengals. A plethora of teams have reached out. We’ve been watching my tape on Zoom. It’s been great.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Brennan Jackson going to make at the next level?

Brennan Jackson: The biggest thing I tell people is just this: Give me a keycard to the building and I’m going to make good things happen. I’m going to work every single day to get 1% better. I’m going to be a contributor that pushes the culture forward through hard work and determination. I’m going to keep that same mentality of playing hard to finish every single play.



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