Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer was a player many expected to declare for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft. When Sawyer opted to return to the Buckeyes instead of being a likely Day 2 pick, it immediately vaulted the talented Columbus-area native into high prominence for the 2025 draft.
Sawyer has moved between the “JACK” backer and a more traditional defensive end in Ohio State’s scheme. It allows him to rush the passer but also set an edge and use his length in space.
In the NFL, Sawyer looks more like a standard 4-man front DE. He’s got impressive length at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, and his upper-body and shoulder strength is above average for his size. Sawyer can set a hard edge and get into the pads of a tackle or tight end, jolting them upright and holding the perimeter in the run game. While it’s been inconsistent, Sawyer can also jolt and then shed to locate the ball on outside runs and also screens and swing passes.
As a pass rusher Sawyer is more of a high-effort, power-to-speed style than a tactician or someone who will bend the edge. His ankles and hips are tighter than desired, and his initial quickness and burst off the snap appear average in an NFL prospect context. Sawyer has worked on developing more pass rush moves, and his cross-chop and inside rip moves need to keep growing. He’s very adept at working in concert with other defenders; his ability to “contain rush” on the backside opposite JT Tuimoloau is a very effective representation of Sawyer’s optimal NFL usage–a strong-side DE opposite a more dynamic rusher.
Unless Sawyer develops more suddenness and bend as a rusher, that’s who he will be. That is the class of player that is typically a 3rd-4th round pick, a la Derrick Barnes of the Lions or D.J. Johnson of the Panthers.
