Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes: 2025 NFL Scouting Report

Name: Jack Sawyer

Position: Defensive End

College: Ohio State

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 260 lbs

High School: Pickerington North

2024 Stats (Entering National Championship Game): 56 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 1 interception, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries

Career Stats (Entering National Championship Game): 135 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 1 interception, 11 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries

PFF Metrics: Overall Defense: 91.1, Run Defense: 86.7, Pass Rush: 89.2, Tackling: 60.9, Total Pressures: 60, Missed Tackles: 8 (16.7%)

Background

Jack Sawyer, a lifelong Buckeyes fan from Pickerington, OH, grew up immersed in Ohio State football culture. A star at Pickerington North High School, Sawyer’s athletic talent reflected his family’s rich sports history—his grandfather played baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system, his father, Lyle, played football at Findlay College, and his mother, Michelle, was a high school basketball standout. At Pickerington North, Sawyer excelled as a two-way player, dominating as both a quarterback and defensive end. His outstanding high school career earned him a 5-star ranking from 247Sports and recognition as the nation’s number four overall recruit. Despite offers from top programs, Sawyer’s passion for Ohio State made his decision clear. He became Ryan Day’s first recruit as head coach, enrolling early in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his senior season.

Sawyer’s collegiate career began slowly, playing just 173 snaps in 2021 and earning modest grades from Pro Football Focus, including a 55.2 run-defense grade. In 2022, Ohio State experimented with him in a hybrid “Jack” role, a linebacker-like position in a 3-4 scheme, but he struggled to find success. The team transitioned him back to a full-time defensive end in 2023, and the move paid off. Sawyer recorded career highs with 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks, earning Pro Football Focus grades above 85.0 in both pass rushing and run defense, making him the only FBS edge defender to do so. His efforts earned him All-Big Ten honors for the first time.

This season, Sawyer has been even better, setting new career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He also recorded his first career interception against Michigan and delivered his most memorable play with an 83-yard strip-sack touchdown that sealed Ohio State’s College Football Playoff semifinal victory, sending the Buckeyes to the national championship game against Notre Dame.

Strengths

Run Defense
Sawyer’s greatest strength lies in his ability to set the edge against the run. He consistently uses his hands to disengage from blockers and maintain gap integrity. His impressive 86.7 Pro Football Focus (PFF) run defense grade ranked as the eighth-highest among FBS edge defenders, showcasing his effectiveness in this critical area.

Strength
Sawyer’s physical strength is another key asset. His ability to hold his ground against blockers makes him highly effective against the run. This same strength translates into his pass-rushing game, where he frequently utilizes a powerful bull rush to collapse the pocket and beat opponents with raw power.

Character
Sawyer is a high-character player and one of the most respected leaders on Ohio State’s defense. He plays with remarkable passion and a relentless motor, making it clear he loves the game of football. His intangibles and leadership qualities are a major plus for any NFL team.

Weaknesses

Burst
Sawyer’s lack of explosive burst off the ball is his most notable limitation. This deficiency in quickness will likely cap his sack production in the NFL, as he will need to rely more on strength and technique than speed to win against professional offensive tackles.

Limited Versatility
Sawyer’s skill set doesn’t lend itself to versatility across multiple positions. His struggles in Ohio State’s hybrid “Jack” linebacker role highlighted his average agility, and his size prevents him from being an effective option to shift inside to defensive tackle, even in pass-rushing situations. As a result, his ideal fit is as a 4-3 defensive end, where he can maximize his strengths.

Arm Length

Although Sawyer stands tall at 6-foot-5, his arm length is shorter than typical for someone of his height. This limitation can occasionally hinder his ability to keep blockers at bay or effectively disengage in tight situations. However, he compensates with solid technique and a high football IQ, though his shorter arms could still present challenges against NFL linemen with superior reach.

2025 NFL Draft Projection

Sawyer projects as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, likely going in the second round. While he has improved from the third-round grade he entered the season with, his limited athletic traits may prevent him from being a first-round pick. A team like the Detroit Lions, which values toughness and power in its defensive line, could be a great fit for Sawyer.