Round 6: The defensive line could use another infusion of talented youth
A young guy to provide depth and hopefully get into the rotation is what the Cleveland Browns need. Pass rushers are always needed in the NFL.
Brennan Jackson is a physical player with a good motor, smart, and has no quit. He can rush with both his hands in the dirt and as an overhang stand-up rusher, if you can work with him to develop a better pass rush plan, he can be a solid contributor at the NFL level.
DE Brennan Jackson
Draft projection: Round 6
Browns pick: #205
Thank You Washington State ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1OPLNAmDp0
— Brennan Jackson (@BrennanJ88) December 6, 2023
Specifics:
College: Washington State
Height: 6’-4”
Weight: 264 pounds
40-time: 4.69
Career Tackles: 161
Career Forced Fumbles: 3
Career Sacks: 20.5
Career Tackles for Loss: 35
Career Pass Defenses: 8
Career starts: 43
Positives:
- All-out hustle
- Excellent point of attack defender
- Stamina that can play all game
- Very athletic with good motor
- Versatile with good speed
- Has good swim and slide moves
- Plays with leverage with strong hands
- Violent hand use
- Second Team All-Pac-12 2022 & 2023
- Nagurski Trophy watchlist
Negatives:
- Often will abandon run responsibilities
- Struggles against scheme attacks
- Will take wrong pursuit angles
- May become a two-down player
- Inconsistent pressure at times
Expert Draft Site Analysis
FantasyPros.com
Jackson has the size and strength of a strongside edge, but is often trying to win the edge from wide alignments as if he were a speed-rusher. That style of play undermines his run fits and doesn’t seem like an ideal role for him at the pro level, even if he has a more explosive first step and more bend than anticipated. If he’s willing to embrace a more disciplined role, could be a good strongside elephant type in a two-gap scheme. Evaluation involves trying to translate his traits into something different from what he did in school, so a wide range of grades seems possible.