Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer had a successful four-year college career and is now focused on preparing for the NFL. Many project him as a third-round pick, but some analysts have shaken that consensus and believe he might surprisingly be a first-round selection.
Jack Sawyer Sparks First-Round Buzz Ahead of Draft
A Pro Football Focus expert believes Sawyer could land on an NFL team with plenty of upside – as a first-round pick.
View this post on Instagram
“High-character guy, one of the highest-floor players in this class,” PFF’s Max Chadwick said. “Really good fundamentals, incredibly sound in all areas. He’s gonna be a dominant force as a run defender who can set the edge of the run game and has excellent pass-rush production at Ohio, too, as a power rusher.
“So, I get the concerns with Jack Sawyer, but I think, you know, third-round talk is way too low for him. I would consider him somewhere late first-round, maybe even early second-round.”
Sawyer committed to Ohio State’s class of 2021. In 2022, he won the Rose Bowl with the team but was ejected during the game for targeting Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising. His 2024 season was great, and the highlight was preventing the Michigan Wolverines players from planting their team’s flag.
In the 2025 Cotton Bowl, Sawyer made a decisive play in the fourth quarter by strip-sacking Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers, recovering the fumble, and returning it for a touchdown.
This secured the victory and earned him the Defensive MVP. Sawyer and the Buckeyes finished the season by winning the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Over four years in Columbus, Sawyer evolved from a rotational role into a full-time starter and emotional leader. He has the ideal build for a defensive end in an even-front NFL system.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders Hit Jackpot With Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter Swaps Penn State for the Patriots
While his arm length may not be elite, his broad shoulders and strong lower body give him a solid foundation for power-based play. Athletically, he is reliable rather than exceptional, with an expected 40-yard dash time in the 4.6-4.7 range and adequate agility metrics.
Any team that drafts Sawyer will get more than just a football player—they’ll secure a leader with an old-school approach to the game. Sawyer’s combination of strength, refined technique, and sharp football IQ positions him as a dependable starter for years.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
