Cam Jackson, IDL, Florida
Size:
Height: 6062
Weight: 328
Arm: 34 ⅛”
Hand: 9 ½”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Cam Jackson possesses a quick first step paired with a high motor that will help him make impactful plays for an NFL defense.”
Strengths:
Quick initial first step
Alignment versatile
High motor/effort
High IQ
Concerns:
Holding the line of scrimmage against double teams
Lack of sack production
Lack of true position
Film Analysis:
Cam Jackson enters the NFL draft after beginning his career at Memphis and concluding it at Florida. Over his collegiate career, Jackson showed consistent improvement year after year, drawing the attention of NFL scouts and earning invitations to prestigious college all-star games like the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Jackson has proven to be a versatile defensive lineman, utilizing his quickness and relentless motor to make an impact in both the run game and as a pass rusher.
Jackson is unique as a run defender due to his ability to play both head-up against offensive linemen and in a gap to penetrate upfield. When aligned head-up, he demonstrates quick-twitch explosiveness, generating forward movement at the snap to create knockback and sustain the line of scrimmage. In one-on-one situations, Jackson can lock out and shed offensive linemen to make plays on the ball-carrier.
When aligned in the gap, Jackson uses his quick first step to disrupt the blocking structure of the run play, getting upfield effectively. He exhibits above-average movement skills for an IDL, changing direction and redirecting smoothly to follow the flow of the play. Jackson is also an exceptional pursuit player, consistently displaying the willingness to chase plays down. Whether tracking ball-carriers on the backside or sprinting 20-plus yards downfield to make tackles, his high motor and quickness are key attributes that contribute to his success as a run defender.
As a pass rusher, Jackson excels when aligned in a gap and attacking upfield. His quick first step and ability to maintain a low pad level make him a challenging assignment for offensive linemen. He effectively uses hand counters to free himself from blockers, and he thrives in schemes that incorporate twists and stunts, where his athleticism allows him to execute these plays, turn the corner, and pressure the quarterback. Jackson also displays good reactionary athleticism, retracing his steps to pursue quarterbacks when plays break down. While his sack production has been limited, his impact as an IDL is felt through consistent quarterback pressures and his ability to disrupt the pocket.
Two areas in Jackson's game could use refinement. First, his overall strength needs improvement. While he holds his ground well in one-on-one situations, he struggles against double teams, often being moved off the line of scrimmage. To become a dominant IDL, he will need to develop better techniques to defeat double teams or improve his physical strength Second, Jackson could enhance his pass-rushing repertoire. Currently, his sack production is modest, and refining his process and expanding his pass-rush maneuvers would help him become a more consistent threat to reach the quarterback.
Overall, Jackson possesses several attractive traits for NFL teams, including his versatility and high motor. With further development as a pass rusher and run defender, Jackson has the potential to become a reliable starting IDL for an NFL franchise.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: LSU (2024), Texas (2024), Tennessee (2024) Georgia (2024)
