Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. can fill Las Vegas Raiders’ need at nose tackle in 2026 NFL draft
Breaking down the tape on the former Seminole
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Darrell Jackson Jr. #6 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on prior to a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 NFL draft with a big need (literally and figuratively) at nose tackle .
It’s one of the biggest holes on the roster, which should put Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. on the Raiders’ radar as a mid-round option. According to NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board , he ranks as the 87th prospect overall and could be an option in either the third- or fourth-round for Las Vegas.
Granted, Jackson doesn’t have a ton of experience lining up at nose tackle, recording just 288 snaps in the A-gap over the last five seasons, according to Pro Football Focus . He was used as more of a versatile interior defensive linemen, playing anywhere from a 4i-technique (inside side of the offensive tackle) to head up on the center. So, he can bring some position flexibility to the Raiders’ defensive line, in addition to owning the physical profile and run defense chops to fill the void at nose tackle.
In 2025, the 6-foot-5. 5, 315-pounder ranked third among ACC defensive tackles with an 81. 3 PFF run defense grade and was tied for first with 23 ‘ defensive stops ’ against the run.
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