Unpacking Future Packers: No. 3, Arkansas DE Landon Jackson
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.
During Jeff Hafley's first season as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, the pass rush did disappearing acts in big games far too often.
The Packers dismissed defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who spent this past season as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
Brian Gutekunst made it crystal clear during the NFL Scouting Combine that they need the defensive line to create more chaos if they are going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
"We need to affect the quarterback more in our front four, with just four players," Gutekunst said. "I'm excited about the guys we have in the room, we'll see if we add to it, but that's gotta get better if we're going to accomplish our goals we want to accomplish in this season."
A player who could help affect the quarterback is Landon Jackson. The Arkansas edge rusher checks in at No. 3 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A four-star recruit, Jackson started his collegiate career at LSU. After suffering a torn ACL during his freshman season, Jackson transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 campaign.
During his first season at Arkansas, Jackson recorded four tackles for loss and three sacks. In 2023, Jackson recorded 44 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. This past season, Jackson recorded 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Jackson was built in the Brian Gutekunst edge rusher lab. He's got an ideal frame. He checked in at the NFL Scouting Combine at 6-6, 264 pounds and 33 1/4 arms. To go along with the frame, he showcased his athleticism at the combine, clocking a 4.68 40-yard dash with a 1.65 10-yard split. He showcased his explosiveness with a 40.50-inch vertical and a 10-09 broad jump. At his pro day, Jackson clocked a 7.13 three-cone time.
"Jackson should not be as big as he is and turn the corner as well as he does," Devin Jackson, an NFL Draft analyst for The Philadelphia Inquirer, said. "He has a relentless motor, can work an inside move with ease, but most of his explosiveness is linear, as he does not change direction as well."
Jackson's a power-packed pass rusher. He's a sledgehammer, with the power to drive through offensive tackles. He has strong, violent hands that stun offensive linemen. To go along with all that power, Jackson has a quick first step and converts speed to power, using his long arms to his advantage. Once he wins the corner he uses long, explosive strides to close in on the quarterback. Over the past two seasons, Jackson has recorded 57 pressures along with his 13 sacks. With his power, active hands and athleticism, it would not be shocking if Jackson posted double-digit sacks early in his career.
"Jackson has a nice speed to power conversion," Jackson said. "He's got a nice swim move as well, and uses the long arm bull rush in his repertoire. He's got impressive tools to work with."
Jackson is a disruptive player with a relentless motor. The Arkansas defensive end is a sturdy and assignment-sound run defender. He's strong at the point of attack and uses his long levers to lock out and stay detached. With his power, he can deconstruct blocks and explode into the backfield to disrupt the action. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson recorded 65 run stops over the past two seasons.
"Jackson is solid against the run, using his length to stack and shed players," Jackson said. "His run recognition ability can improve but he's an average run defender who doesn't need to come off the field on early downs."
Fit with the Packers
A team can never have enough pass rushers and while the hope is for internal growth from Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, the Packers need another potential disrupter in that room.
Enter Jackson. The Arkansas defensive end checks the boxes with his frame, power and burst off the snap. He's also 22 years old.
"Jackson was an impressive player in college but if he continues to hone the tools and skills that's he's shown, he's got a chance to be a double digit sack player," Jackson said. "The flashes he's shown of high level play have come against good college tackles, and if he can become dominant as a speed to power rusher, he can be an upside player that had a similar impact that Jared Verse did as a rookie last season."
Gutekunst clearly has a type when it comes to drafting edge rushers and Jackson checks all the boxes. He's a well-rounded player with freakish tools to develop into a dominant force off the edge. Even if he isn't a starter, Jackson will make an impact as a rookie and would bolster Green Bay's pass rush, while being a strong edge setter against the run. Take that type of player in the second round all day.
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