Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer is yet another player frequently linked to the Detroit Lions in early offseason mock drafts. Actually, he’s the Lions’ first-round pick in almost 20 percent of those forecasts, as per the Mock Draft Database.
What contributes to Sawyer being a favored prediction for Detroit? His significant performance during Ohio State’s championship journey, especially his memorable highlight-reel strip sack touchdown against Texas, definitely garnered considerable late interest. Sawyer encompasses much more than just those highlights, though…
Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State University
Well-built at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds (as noted by Ohio State), potentially even larger than that.
Achieved 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 59 total tackles across 16 games in 2024.
Twice Academic All-Big Ten
Elite recruit and four-year regular player at Ohio State
Reaches 23 years old in May
Games observed: Western Michigan, Marshall, Oregon, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee (CFP), Oregon (CFP), Texas (CFP), Notre Dame (CFP)
Advantages
Excellent edge-setter while maintaining focus on his rush.
Polished, uniform stack-and-shed abilities on the exterior.
Lengthy, strong arms and enhanced upper-body power
Effective square-up tackler in the area and directly off the offensive tackle.
Strong leg power as a bull rusher
Solid equilibrium when not engaged and rapid reaction to a feint.
Possesses good power-to-speed from his burst and leverage techniques.
Engage with compelling emotional fervor
Drawbacks
Not lacking athleticism at all, but Sawyer doesn’t succeed through quickness or explosive movement.
Restricted lower body limits his capability to speed up after contact.
Often becomes too straight while attempting to navigate the turn.
Lacks chase gear or superior speed when closing in on the ball.
Will attempt to start the tackle from too great a distance and slip off the tackler.
Not agile or intuitive enough to transition into coverage at the higher level.
In general
It’s clear from every Buckeye game film that Sawyer embodies the traits of a Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes type of football player. His football intelligence, intensity on each play, and passion for the sport are clearly evident. Sawyer is a fairly strong power-oriented EDGE force as well.
There are certain genuine athletic constraints that are evident. Sawyer isn’t an explosive or agile athlete; he possesses average speed, agility, and quickness, lacking exceptional qualities in any area. He’s also slightly shorter than the usual “crush the can” style the Lions prefer opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Sawyer compensates as much as he is able with fast responses, determination, and outstanding positional awareness.
The initial round is excessively valuable for my preference regarding Sawyer and his athletic potential. If he remains available, he ought to be a solid contender for Detroit’s second draft pick, although that’s questionable at this time (it’s February 9th).