Jack Sawyer 2025 NFL Draft: Ohio State EDGE Scouting Report
In a talented 2025 NFL Draft class, Jack Sawyer is a talented edge rusher with a high motor. Sawyer is a talented EGE defender from Ohio State with high football IQ. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook in this draft report. We will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Jack Sawyer 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Sawyer arrived at Ohio State as a heralded five-star recruit from Pickerington North High School, where he showcased versatility as a two-way player (quarterback and defensive end). A Columbus native with deep ties to Buckeye football, Sawyer enrolled early in 2021, bypassing his senior high school season due to COVID-19 uncertainties.
Over four years in Columbus, he evolved from a rotational piece into a full-time starter and emotional leader. Impressively, he had a standout senior season that helped Ohio State secure a win in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. In total, with a career stat line of 144 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks, Sawyer’s production reflects steady growth and a knack for delivering in big moments.
Sawyer possesses a prototypical frame for an NFL defensive end in an even-front scheme. At his size, he carries a well-muscled build with room to add mass if needed. His arm length may not be elite. However, his broad shoulders and strong lower half provide a solid foundation for power-based play. Athletically, he projects as adequate rather than exceptional—expect a 40-yard dash in the 4.6-4.7 range and solid but not jaw-dropping agility testing numbers.
Overall, Sawyer profiles as a high-floor, scheme-specific EDGE who can step into a rotational role as a rookie. Eventually, he could develop into a reliable NFL starter. His best fit is with a team employing a 4-3 base defense that prioritizes edge-setting and power rushing over speed-based disruption. Think of him as a Sam Hubbard-type contributor—dependable against the run, capable of 4-6 sacks annually, and a tone-setter in the trenches. While he won’t dominate as a pure pass rusher, his intangibles (leadership, work ethic) and polish suggest a long, productive career.
HT: 6042
WT: 260
40: 4.58e
ARM: 3168
Strengths
- Run Defense: Sawyer excels at setting the edge, using leverage and hand strength to stalemate offensive tackles and redirect runners inside. His ability to stack and shed blockers is among the best in this EDGE class, evidenced by his consistent disruption of outside runs.
- Power-Based Pass Rush: His bull rush can collapse pockets against tackles that lack anchor strength. Sawyer pairs this with a long-arm technique to keep blockers at bay and a developing chop move to counter inside.
- High Motor: Relentless pursuit defines his game. He frequently finishes plays away from his initial alignment, chasing down ball carriers or cleaning up after coverage sacks. His effort shines on extended plays.
- Football IQ: Sawyer’s instincts stand out—he quickly diagnoses blocking schemes, anticipates pullers, and maintains gap discipline. His awareness translates to timely plays, like batting passes (11 career passes defended) or forcing fumbles (6 career total).
- Big-Game Impact: Signature moments—like an 83-yard fumble return touchdown in the 2025 Cotton Bowl—highlight his knack for rising to the occasion against top competition (Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame).
Areas for Improvement
- Limited Athletic Ceiling: Sawyer consistently lacks the elite first-step burst or bend to threaten tackles around the corner. His pass-rush wins rely heavily on power rather than speed or twitch, capping his upside as a double-digit sack artist.
- Counter Move Arsenal: Sawyer’s pass-rush toolbox remains underdeveloped beyond his bull rush and occasional chop. His spin move lacks polish, and he struggles to disengage when blockers get their hands inside his frame.
- Change of Direction: Lateral agility is average, making it tough for him to redirect sharply against mobile quarterbacks or counter back inside after an initial outside rush.
- Inconsistent Hand Timing: While strong, his punch can be late or mistimed, allowing savvy linemen to dictate first contact and neutralize his power advantage.
- Double-Team Struggles: Against heavier sets or combo blocks, Sawyer can get washed out if he doesn’t win early, exposing a need for better anchor consistency.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Sawyer isn’t the flashiest EDGE prospect in the 2025 class. However, he’s a throwback defender who wins with grit, technique, and heart. His journey from five-star hype to National Champion reflects a player who’s maximized his tools through effort and intelligence. Overall, Sawyer offers a compelling case as a Day 2 steal for teams seeking a plug-and-play run stopper with pass-rush upside.
Sawyer’s combination of physicality, instincts, and big-game pedigree makes him a safe bet to contribute early. However, his athletic limitations likely keep him out of the first round and early Day 2 conversation in a deep EDGE class.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals would be a solid landing spot for him, with Sam Hubbard retiring and Trey Hendrickson likely on the move. The Detroit Lions would be another good fit, pairing him opposite Aidan Hutchinson to bolster their run defense and add depth. Another intriguing landing spot would be the Green Bay Packers to add a power end to complement their aggressive front under Jeff Hafley. Overall, Sawyer should be a solid value in a deep 2025 NFL Draft class.
Round Grade: 3rd Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sk | Int | PD | FR | FF |
| 2021* | Ohio State | 12 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022* | Ohio State | 13 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023* | Ohio State | 13 | 24 | 24 | 10 | 6.5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024* | Ohio State | 16 | 25 | 34 | 9 | 9.0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | *3* |
| Career | 54 | 68 | 76 | 29 | 23.0 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 6 |
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