With professional-level precision, Jackson Woodard anticipated what was about to happen.
The UNLV linebacker was dropping back in coverage against Kansas this past season, a game in which the Rebels had the opportunity to prove they were a top-notch Group of Five team. And Woodard was ready to make a critical play.
From his team’s 25-yard line, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels caught a shotgun snap and noticed a receiver cut toward the middle of the field. Woodard backed up just enough to make Daniels think he had an open teammate, but he was mistaken.
The instant Daniels released the pass, Woodard darted forward and intercepted the throw, returning it to Kansas’ five-yard line.
Woodard was effective in run support, on designed blitzes, and in coverage. His blend of skills has led to him earning NFL Draft consideration.
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Jackson Woodard NFL Mock Draft Projection In 2025
I project Jackson Woodard will be selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
I could see why Woodard might drop a bit further in the draft because of the position he played at and being a Group of Five prospect. But I don’t know how you can justify that when you watch any of his games. He stands out on tape and made countless impact plays, especially against power conference opponents.
To me, Woodard would be a fantastic pick anywhere on Day 3.
What Was Jackson Woodard’s 40 Time At The NFL Combine?
Jackson Woodard didn’t run the 40 at the NFL Combine.
He participated in one measurable drill there, the bench press, and recorded 21 reps. That ranked sixth among seven linebackers.
Jackson Woodard’s Height & Weight
Jackson Woodard was measured at 6-foot-2, 234 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Jackson Woodard’s Stats & Highlights
Woodard was a Group of Five All-American and the first UNLV player in 17 years to be named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Last season, his second with the Rebels, Woodard tallied 135 tackles, which ranked fourth in the country. He recorded 17 tackles for loss, which tied for 10th in the nation. His four interceptions also tied for 21st in the FBS.
He defended 16 passes, which was in the top five in the FBS as well. He added 3.5 sacks, three of them being in the first game of the year against Houston, and two fumble recoveries.
The season before was also outstanding for him. He racked up 116 tackles, nine for loss, with 2.5 sacks, five passes defended, and one interception.
That was after playing for three seasons at Arkansas. He appeared in 28 games and made 16 tackles on defense and special teams during that span.
Jackson Woodard’s NFL Comparison & 2025 NFL Draft Profile
I believe some elements of Jackson Woodard’s game are comparable to Brian Urlacher.
I’m not saying Woodard will play at the level of a Hall of Famer in the NFL. However, both are products of Mountain West schools, and Urlacher was physical, had the speed to play all over the field, and was excellent in pass coverage. I see those traits when I watch Woodard’s film.
Woodard flows to the ball well and often sheds blocks with ease. While he’s capable of a big hit and is physical in the run game, he’s also sound with his tackling technique. He’s effective when he blitzes as well because he has a feel for where lanes are going to open up.
In Pro Football Focus’ grades of linebackers who played at least 470 snaps, Woodard was eighth in the country. He was 11th in PFF’s run defense grades while ranking in the top 50 for pass rushing and coverage.
Woodard seemingly always has an idea for where the ball is going. He allowed 63.3% of targets his way to be caught, which was the 16th-lowest among those linebackers. The NFL passer rating on throws his way was 62.4, which was good for 12th. He gave up 24 catches on 38 targets for 428 yards and one touchdown.
Woodard tied for fourth in the country with 64 defensive stops that were constituted as failures for the offense.
That’s what Woodard brings to a defense, so I think it should be obvious for NFL teams to be interested in drafting him.
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