It’s NFL draft month. So, between now and when the first round begins, we will be highlighting prospects who could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next up is Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson.
Measureables
Height: 6-06
Weight: 264
Relative Athletic Score: 9.88
Landon Jackson is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.88 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 23 out of 1802 DE from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, Times unofficial.https://t.co/Uzf1WPheOEpic.twitter.com/ENgyqVp6NO
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 27, 2025
Stats to know
From a size and athleticism standpoint, Jackson feels very much like a Chris Ballard selection.
Over three seasons at Arkansas, Jackson has played 1,594 total snaps, including a career-high of 645 in 2024. While not a ton, he does have some experience lining up between the tackles.
Pass rush-wise, Jackson’s production has increased each year. He went from 19 pressures in 2022 to 22 pressures in 2023 and finished with 35 pressures this past season. Out of 189 eligible edge rushers, Jackson ranked 49th in win rate.
Against the run, Jackson ranked second among edge defenders in PFF’s run defense grade this past season.
Fit with the Indianapolis Colts
Defensive end may not be considered a pressing need with Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis all on the roster, but without Dayo Odeyingbo, the depth of this unit could be addressed, not to mention that a lot of snaps and production is now gone with him in Chicago.
When it comes to replacing that production and playing time, a big jump from Latu, along with getting Ebukam back, will be key factors, but it’s going to require a group effort as well.
In addition to that, let’s not forget that the NFL draft is also about planning ahead, and next offseason, Paye, Lewis, and Ebukam are all free agents.
Having Lou Anarumo and his more aggressive scheme should help the Colts’ pass rush, which faced the difficult task last season of having to generate steady pressure while opposing offenses often picked apart the secondary through the quick game. But regardless, at the end of the day, this was a pass rush unit that ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks. So there is certainly room for a greater impact.
Landon Jackson NFL draft profile
For more on Jackson, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report:
“High-energy edge prospect with projectable traits but unorthodox movements and body control that might create a lack of conviction when it’s time to stamp a grade. Jackson added muscle mass to his leggy frame, but a lack of bend hinders his anchor and contact balance against force. He’s long and urgent in fighting his way past the man in front of him. He’ll never be a natural edge bender but he plays with connected hands and feet that should allow him to develop more impactful rush counters. It will look gawky at times, but Jackson seems to be growing into his frame and possesses the traits and motor to make it as a future starter on the edge.”
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Arkansas DE Landon Jackson
It’s NFL draft month. So, between now and when the first round begins, we will be highlighting prospects who could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next up is Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson.
Measureables
Height: 6-06
Weight: 264
Relative Athletic Score: 9.88
Landon Jackson is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.88 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 23 out of 1802 DE from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, Times unofficial.https://t.co/Uzf1WPheOEpic.twitter.com/ENgyqVp6NO
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 27, 2025
Stats to know
From a size and athleticism standpoint, Jackson feels very much like a Chris Ballard selection.
Over three seasons at Arkansas, Jackson has played 1,594 total snaps, including a career-high of 645 in 2024. While not a ton, he does have some experience lining up between the tackles.
Pass rush-wise, Jackson’s production has increased each year. He went from 19 pressures in 2022 to 22 pressures in 2023 and finished with 35 pressures this past season. Out of 189 eligible edge rushers, Jackson ranked 49th in win rate.
Against the run, Jackson ranked second among edge defenders in PFF’s run defense grade this past season.
Fit with the Indianapolis Colts
Defensive end may not be considered a pressing need with Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis all on the roster, but without Dayo Odeyingbo, the depth of this unit could be addressed, not to mention that a lot of snaps and production is now gone with him in Chicago.
When it comes to replacing that production and playing time, a big jump from Latu, along with getting Ebukam back, will be key factors, but it’s going to require a group effort as well.
In addition to that, let’s not forget that the NFL draft is also about planning ahead, and next offseason, Paye, Lewis, and Ebukam are all free agents.
Having Lou Anarumo and his more aggressive scheme should help the Colts’ pass rush, which faced the difficult task last season of having to generate steady pressure while opposing offenses often picked apart the secondary through the quick game. But regardless, at the end of the day, this was a pass rush unit that ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks. So there is certainly room for a greater impact.
Landon Jackson NFL draft profile
For more on Jackson, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report:
“High-energy edge prospect with projectable traits but unorthodox movements and body control that might create a lack of conviction when it’s time to stamp a grade. Jackson added muscle mass to his leggy frame, but a lack of bend hinders his anchor and contact balance against force. He’s long and urgent in fighting his way past the man in front of him. He’ll never be a natural edge bender but he plays with connected hands and feet that should allow him to develop more impactful rush counters. It will look gawky at times, but Jackson seems to be growing into his frame and possesses the traits and motor to make it as a future starter on the edge.”
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Arkansas DE Landon Jackson
