The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Green Bay, and among the Arkansas Razorbacks hoping to hear their name called, defensive end Landon Jackson may be the program’s best shot at an early selection. With a unique blend of size, athletic testing, and on-field production, Jackson has positioned himself as a player whose name could rise higher than many expect.

Landon Jackson enters this year’s draft as the highest-rated prospect from Arkansas. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him No. 68 overall in his final big board, projecting him as a solid Day 2 selection. However, Jackson’s pre-draft process has turned heads and introduced the possibility of a late first-round outcome, particularly for teams willing to prioritize raw traits over polish.

At 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds with an 83.6-inch wingspan, Jackson possesses the kind of physical frame that few edge rushers in this class can match. His stature alone gives him an immediate edge in disrupting throwing lanes and battling tackles with reach advantages.

Combine Performance Raised the Ceiling

While Jackson’s game film showed promise, his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine may have done the most to shift perceptions. He ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, jumped 40.5 inches vertically, and recorded a 10-foot-9 broad jump, all elite numbers for a player of his size. Historically, only a handful of defensive linemen over 260 pounds have matched those results, and most were drafted within the top 10 picks.

His Athleticism Score of 86, the highest among edge rushers at the event, further underscored his potential. In a league where measurables often serve as tiebreakers in the draft room, Jackson’s rare athletic profile puts him in unique territory.

High-Energy Play with Room for Growth

On the field, Jackson’s game is characterized by effort, physicality, and flashes of pass-rush nuance. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 49 total tackles in his final season, earning second-team All-SEC honors. His ability to win with chop-rip moves, effective hand placement, and lateral quickness suggests a foundation NFL coaches can build on.

However, he remains a developmental player in some respects. His secondary and counter moves lack refinement, and he struggles to corner effectively due to limited ankle flexibility. As a run defender, he can be displaced by power blocks and occasionally loses balance through contact, concerns that teams will need to weigh against his upside.

First-Round Buzz Is Not Unfounded

Despite projections that still place Jackson in the second round, his momentum is undeniable. His standout Combine showing, physical traits, and resilient performance at the Senior Bowl, where he notched two sacks, have given him a legitimate chance to rise into the late first round.

In a draft class where the demand for edge talent remains high, Jackson presents an intriguing option for teams betting on athletic upside. Whether or not he hears his name on Thursday night, Landon Jackson has become one of the most intriguing defensive prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft.