• NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Rodney Jackson, DT, Grambling State by Matt Anzio
• Player: Rodney Jackson
• Position: DT/ DE
• School: Grambling State
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 292 lbs
• Projected Forty : 5.09
• Projected Round : UDFA
• Projected Reps at 225:  24 Reps
• Draft: 2019
• Hometown: Bastrop, La.
• Jersey Number:  93

Stats & Awards

• 2018 –  Played in 8 games
• 18 tackles, 9 solos, 9 Ast & 2.5 sacks
• All-Star/ Bowl invites:  National Bowl,Podyum All-Star, Gridiron Showcase & HBCU Spirit of America Bowl

• 2017:
• Played in 12 games
• 17 tackles, 10 solo 7 ast. & 2 sacks

• 2016
• 30 tackles 3 sacks
• Appeared  on Netflix original sports  series “Last Chance U “

Diamond Report

Rodney Jackson is built like a Tank  & hits like one too..

Very talented powerful DT that has shown enough short area burst to even play Edge at Grambling or possibly in a Pro 34 D.  What I see is a stout sturdy durable run defender with pass rush potential. Jackson can be a versatile disruptive force on any D line.  Be excellent DT in a 43 front his reach make him not limited to just a 2 gap scheme fit.

Against The Pass:

Stout powerful frame has a great stance rushing the passer. Stays low before the snap the uses his bend & burst to move Guards or OT’s off the ball. Can move blockers back 10 yds with his bull rush ability.Able to shed blocks both with his immense strength & quickness.    Demands a double team when they need to protect their QB. Seen him play both Left & Right DE against the pass don’t see much drop off on either side. Uses arm leverage coming off the edge creating separation to get around blocks. If he winds up playing a 34 DE type role appears to have the necessary tools to succeed in that role if needed. Has extremely long arms for his 6’ 2 frame uses his wingspan to interrupt the QB blocking passing lanes. Shifty for a big man good lateral quickness in pass rush or run gap situations. Can get around blocks with powerful legs & shifty feet he has a good combination of short area skills & power.  

Against The Run

Jackson is quick off the edge  &/or defending the A gap. Anchors well in run defense.   Bends his knees keeps good leverage violent burst through gaps or around tackles.  can rip, slap & swim around OT’s with his long reach monster punch. Power rush his way past or thru OG’s & Centers alike.  Lays out dives to make tackles against the run has grown man strength wraps up backs like a B-day gift. Keeps excellent pad level against the run can see smaller backs coming thru the gap. Has good gap control with vision & closing speed to be pro run defender. Violent rip n grab active strong hands. Tremendous extension on tackles really extends his whole body to make a play. High motor guy legs are always turning till the play is blown dead.

Summary:

Although he lacks what some would consider ideal size. (Not in my opinion)

He fits inside ideal 2 gapper that has longer than average arm length despite his lack of height. I am a fan of what Mike Mayock refers to as “ Squatty body types”. Think they serve great purpose against the run especially smaller shifty backs that taller guys have problems locating or tackle too high. Low man wins is what they have been preaching since they wore leather helmets. Seen many of these guys have years of success at the Nose Tackle position. If they can get under have good burst know how to use there frame properly. Think it adds a needed dimension into an ever evolving run game that features backs of all shapes & sizes. Creating matchups os what the game is all about a guy like Jackson can get low enough on Backs like Sproles or Tarik Cohen to not get a facemask penalty. Most of all they can see things a 6’6 guy just can’t.  Surprisingly athletic reminds me of Timmy Jernigan. Projects best as a 34 hybrid movement DT or a 43 run down NT.