A good version of Darrell Jackson changes everything for FSU's defense
Brendan Sonnone
Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson was robbed of playing for most of the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules that were enforced retroactively and subsequently halted.
That's in the past, now. Jackson, a transfer from Miami (and previously Maryland), is stepping into a major role as a projected starter for the Seminoles. His upside is vast, yet the potential variance for his productivity is also substantial.
Class: Jr.
Ht/Wt: 6-5/330
2023 Stats: 3 tackles, 0.5 TFL as he was forced to sit out regular season due to NCAA transfer rules (since changed)…63.3 PFF Grade on 42 snaps
Last Year's Rank: 20th
Highest on: Coach AB (2nd)
Lowest on: Chris Nee (14th)
Jackson was able to practice throughout last season, and there would be these daily moments that reminded you how talented the physically imposing defender is. His explosiveness at 330 pounds and his length were difficult matchups for any lineman in 1 vs. 1 settings, and those glimpses give indication of what Jackson can be with seasoning.
The Orange Bowl appearance is tough to truly judge any player in because there were so many extenuating circ*mstances to evaluate production. There were snippets of Jackson's intriguing skill set, as well reps in which Jackson struggled to get off blocks or locate the ball carrier in a timely fashion.
What was rust and what are just aspects of his game that still need work? It's hard to say.
But those good moments are what you hang on to, because they demonstrate what can be unlocked. The power, reach and lateral burst to close a gap in the play below gives you an idea of how impactful Jackson (14) can be even if he isn't directly making the play.
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FSU is banking on these physical tools as Jackson is expected to start alongside former high school teammate Joshua Farmer in 2024. It's time for Jackson to get his chance to be an impact player at FSU. He'll have every opportunity to do so.
Why is he at 6?
The notion of Jackson living up to his potential is what pushes him up so high on the list despite playing just one game last season. A good version of Jackson changes everything, and that dynamic is even more interesting given the lack of proven depth behind your projected starters inside.
The variance among our staff in placing Jackson is interesting. There are three Top 5 placements (the X's and Noles crew is locked in here), three at 7-8 (Zach, Dane, and Brendan), and two in double digits (Clay at 11, Chris at 14). You're talking about the difference between one of the most impactful players on the roster and a mid-level starter.
Criteria
"Important" can be fairly vague, because it depends on how you define importance. It's subjective. Is it based on the player who holds the most value on the roster? Is it simply decided by determining who is the best/most talented player? Do you weigh what position a player plays and just how much that position impacts the game on a play-to-play basis? What about depth at the position, how is that factored in?
The goal of this exercise is to blend:
*Positional value. A QB, for example, is more important than any position on the field. NFL salary trends show that CB, DE, WR and OT are more valuable than other positions.
*Previous production/projected production. What did a player do last year? What will they do with another year of development?
**Overall talent. Basically, how would this player be ranked in a video game?
*Depth versus backup. How big of a drop-off is there when this player isn't on the field?
*Scheme/usage.
*Dependability. Is this player hurt often? Will they likely miss time? Have they shrunken or gotten better in key moments?
Each staffer can value these respective aspects differently, which makes for a fun addition to the exercise.
Previously
40.RB Caziah Holmes
39.LB Justin Cryer
38.DB Omarion Cooper
37.LB Shawn Murphy
36.DT Grady Kelly
35.TE Jackson West
34.OT Jaylen Early
33.LB Cam Riley
32.CB Quindarrius Jones
31.QB Brock Glenn
30.PK Ryan Fitzgerald
29.DL Tomiwa Durojaiye
28.LB Blake Nichelson
27.WR Kentron Poitier
26.DL Daniel Lyons
25.S Conrad Hussey
24.S Davonte Brown
23.WR Ja'Khi Douglas
22.DE Sione Lolohea
21.ATH Jaylin Lucas
20.OL Richie Leonard IV
19.WR Hykeem Williams
18.CB Fentrell Cypress II
17.OL TJ Ferguson
16.OL Jeremiah Byers
15.TE Kyle Morlock
14.C Maurice Smith
13.RB Roydell Williams
12.RB Lawrance Toafili
11.NB Earl Little Jr.
10.LB DJ Lundy
9.S Shyheim Brown
8.DT Josh Farmer
7.DE Marvin Jones Jr.
