Landon Jackson’s combine numbers put him in elite draft territory
Landon Jackson walked into the NFL Scouting Combine with questions about his athleticism. He walked out with numbers that shut down the debate. The Arkansas defensive end put on a show, delivering one of the best performances of the day among edge rushers.
At 6-foot-6, 264 pounds, Jackson ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and hit a 10-foot-9 broad jump. Numbers like that don’t just check boxes—they force teams to rethink where he belongs on their draft boards.
There’s fast, and then there’s explosive. Jackson proved he’s both. His 40.5-inch vertical jump was not only the best among defensive linemen on Day 1—it was the highest by any 260-pounder or heavier since Myles Garrett’s 41-inch jump in 2017.
Only three other defensive linemen in combine history have ever cleared 40 inches at 260 pounds or more: Myles Garrett, Mario Williams, and Shemar Stewart. Garrett and Williams both went No. 1 overall in their drafts. Stewart is still waiting for his turn. Jackson just added his name to that list, and that alone will have teams rewatching his tape.
His 10-foot-9 broad jump was the second-best among edge rushers, proving his lower-body explosion isn’t just about leaping—it translates to power off the line. His 86 Athleticism Score, the highest among edge defenders according to NFL Next Gen Stats, confirms what the numbers already said.
Jackson’s 4.68-second 40-yard dash at 264 pounds is the kind of number that scouts don’t ignore. It’s not just good for his size—it’s flat-out fast for an edge rusher. That kind of speed makes him a problem for offensive tackles who aren’t quick enough to keep him in front of them.
Jackson’s frame gives him the flexibility to play in multiple roles. He’s got the size to hold his own against the run and the burst to be a pass-rushing threat in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. Teams looking for a disruptive edge defender who can move around will have him high on their boards.
After his combine performance, Jackson is locked in as a Day 2 pick—but if a team values traits and athleticism over polish, don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the late first round. Numbers like his don’t come around often.
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