Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a Jets offensive line prospect
The New York Jets recently signed former Jaguars offensive lineman Samuel Jackson. Today we break Jackson down in detail.
The 26-year old Jackson is listed at 6’5” and 325 pounds and started 46 games in six seasons at UCF before going undrafted in 2023. He was released in final cuts by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 and the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks in 2024 but started nine games for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL earlier this year.
Background
Jackson was a three-star high school recruit, who headed to UCF in 2017 and played in 13 games in his true freshman season, with one start.
He then suffered a serious injury ahead of his sophomore year and was expected to be out for the season. However, he recovered earlier than anticipated and was able to return in time for the last three games of the regular season and the team’s bowl game. He came off the bench in all four games but played 82 snaps. Since he only played four games, Jackson was eligible to redshirt.
His redshirt sophomore season saw him move into the starting line-up and over the next four seasons he missed just one game, starting 45 times in 49 appearances.
Having returned for a sixth season, Jackson was a second-team all-AAC selection in 2022 and then entered the 2023 draft but went undrafted. He attended training camp and played in preseason with the Jaguars as a rookie but was released in final cuts. He then attempted to play in the CFL but was released in final cuts again in 2024, this time by the Ottawa Redblacks.
He was with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL for the 2025 season and, having started off as a reserve, started the last nine games of the season.
The Jets signed Jackson early on in camp, after they had released Obinna Eze on the first day.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Jackson brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Jackson has a lot of size and adequate length. At his pro day, he posted impressive numbers in the broad jump (108 inches) and three-cone drill (7.62). The rest of his speed, explosiveness and agility numbers were about average for his size.
He only managed 19 bench press reps at his pro day, which is perhaps surprising because he looks big and strong on film.
Usage
Jackson has extensive experience at all four non-center offensive line positions over the course of his career. He started multiple games and played over 400 snaps at each position in college, although he was a full-time right tackle in his penultimate season and a full-time left guard in his final season.
At the NFL level, he only played as a guard in preseason, albeit that he got plenty of reps on both sides. He started two games at right guard and seven at right tackle...
