Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) lets out a yell during the NCAA football game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 63-10.
Jack Sawyer DE/EDGE Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jack Sawyer DE/EDGE Ohio State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/08/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (93%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.9 DOB: 05/06/2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
| Last Updated: 02/08/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (93%*) | |
| Age: 22.9 DOB: 05/06/2002 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 87.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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76% |
| Pass Rush: |
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93% |
| Run Defense: |
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98% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Late
Overall Rank:
#26
Position rank:
#12
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| College Games: 52 College Snaps: 1680 | ||
ESPN RATING: 91/100
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247 RATING: 99/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jaelan Phillips - Miami |
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91% |
| Jermaine Johnson II - Florida State |
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82% |
| Laiatu Latu - UCLA |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
The local kid who lived out his childhood dream, Jack Sawyer's journey from Pickerington to Ohio State feels like a throwback to an era before the transfer portal reshaped college football. Born just three miles from the Horseshoe at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Sawyer went from terrorizing quarterbacks at Pickerington North to becoming a cornerstone of the Buckeyes' defense. His path wasn't the meteoric rise many expected from a five-star recruit, but rather a steady climb that culminated in a statement senior season.In an age where elite prospects rarely stay four years, Sawyer's development arc tells a different story. After contributing early with flashes of brilliance (7.5 sacks his first two seasons), he found his stride as a junior with 6.5 sacks and 10 TFLs. But it was his senior campaign where everything clicked – 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and a signature moment in the Cotton Bowl where he strip-sacked Quinn Ewers and returned the fumble 83 yards to send Ohio State to the national championship game.
The former high school quarterback (who threw for over 1,000 yards at Pickerington North) brings rare athleticism to the edge position. His basketball background shows up in his fluid movement skills, while his defensive stats (144 career tackles, 23 sacks) only tell part of the story. Sawyer's evolution from raw athlete to refined technician mirrors his team's trajectory – peaking at the perfect moment during their championship run.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Devastating power at the point of attack – consistently rocks back tackles with powerful first contact and maintains leverage through the rep
- Natural instincts in the run game shine when diagnosing pulling guards and tight ends – quickly processes and attacks appropriate gap
- Nasty bull rush that can cave in the pocket – shows exceptional leg drive and hip torque to convert speed to power
- High-level football IQ translates to excellent play recognition – rarely fooled by misdirection or caught out of position
- Cross-chop move is a thing of beauty – times it perfectly to get tackles leaning before clearing their hands
- Runs hot as a pass rusher and shows relentless pursuit – multiple coverage sacks in 2023 from pure effort
- Strong hands and excellent placement when taking on blocks – consistently controls the point of attack
- Showcases natural leadership qualities and high character – two-time team captain who elevated in big moments
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Below average get-off at the snap limits his ability to stress tackles around the edge – often last one moving on the defensive line
- Lacks elite bend and ankle flexion to consistently turn tight corners – has to win with power or through direct lines
- Hand timing in pass rush can be erratic – allows offensive linemen to land first punch too frequently
- Change of direction limitations show up when countering back inside – spin move lacks the explosiveness to threaten NFL tackles
- Despite good testing numbers, functional athleticism appears closer to average – may struggle to win with speed at next level
Scouting Report: Summary
Sawyer projects as an immediate contributor in base defensive packages with the potential to develop into an every-down player. His power game and run defense prowess will translate quickly to the NFL level, making him an attractive option for teams running even-front schemes that emphasize setting the edge. While he may never be an elite sack artist, his high motor and technical refinement should allow him to consistently affect the quarterback.His best fit comes with a team that employs multiple defensive fronts and values strength at the point of attack. Sawyer's intelligence and versatility will allow defensive coordinators to move him around the formation, though he's most effective working from a three-point stance. Expect him to make an immediate impact against the run while developing into a 6-8 sack per year player who can stay on the field for all three downs.
The team that drafts Sawyer is getting more than just a football player – they're getting a culture-setter who plays with an old-school mentality. His trajectory suggests his best football is still ahead of him, and his combination of power, technique, and football IQ should make him a reliable starter for years to come.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Jack Sawyer (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
43.8
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
13.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.