Jack Sawyer 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

Jack Sawyer was captain of the Ohio State football team and a defensive lineman. Sawyer is the author of the most fantastic play in Ohio State football history. For this reason, a lucky team will be getting a late first-round bargain with him. 

Sawyer could be one of four Buckeye defensive linemen drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Projections have him going as high as No. 28 to the Detroit Lions or as low as No. 30 to the Buffalo Bills. Sawyer is a 6-foot-5, 260-pound player from Ohio. He is hometown boy for the Buckeyes. Would you like a fearsome defensive lineman on your favorite NFL team?

Jack Sawyer’s Statistics

The local kid who lived out his childhood dream in storybook fashion, Sawyer’s journey from Pickerington to Ohio State was a short one. Born just three miles from the Horseshoe, Sawyer’s path was not the meteoric rise expected from a five-star recruit, but rather a steady climb.

In an age where elite prospects rarely stay four years, Sawyer stayed four years. After Sawyer contributed early with flashes of brilliance (7.5 sacks his first two seasons), he found his stride somewhat as a junior with 6.5 sacks and 10 TFLs. But it was his senior campaign where everything clicked for Sawyer, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and a fairy tale moment in the Cotton Bowl. He sacked University of Texas Quarterback Quinn Ewers and, forced a fumble, and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown.

Sawyer was a high school quarterback and basketball player. He brings rare athleticism to the defensive end position. His evolution from raw athlete to refined technician mirrors the Ohio State Buckeye’s trajectory, peaking during the championship run. He was the first freshman to start on defense since 1996. He made a positive impact in each of his first three years as a Buckeye, and he had a great impact in his senior season.

NFL Strengths

He has a pretty high ceiling at the NFL level. Particularly if he stays healthy, he should have a long career and a team drafting at the end of the first round will get a bargain. Here are his strengths, according to NFL Draft Buzz.

• 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 gaps.
• 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.

There are quite a few Ohio State defensive linemen who have done well in the NFL. Sawyer is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

NFL Weaknesses

Sawyer and his relatively light frame are an injury concern as a professional. There are also some concerns about Sawyer’s athleticism.  Here are his weaknesses according to NFL Draft Buzz.

• 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 the next level.

Conclusion

Sawyer is likely to be a late first round bargain in the NFL draft. If healthy he is likely to play at a high level for a long time. The way he magically ended his career at Ohio State should give him confidence at the next level.