Jack Sawyer Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: Ohio State

Class: Senior

Position: EDGE

HT: 6’4

WT: 260 lbs

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Background: Jack Sawyer has had all eyes on him ever since he first started playing high school football. Sawyer was a consensus top-10 recruit in the nation for his high school class. Sawyer is from Pickerington, Ohio and played his high school ball for Pickerington North High School. Sawyer was the highest ranked prospect in the state of Ohio but due to the pandemic he did not play his senior season. As a junior, he won Division Player of the Year. The most impressive item about Sawyer’s high school career is that not only did he build a reputation as a 5-star defensive end, but he also played quarterback for Pickerington North. His versatility on the football field combined with the fact that he lettered for three seasons in basketball goes to show the natural athleticism that Sawyer possesses. While Sawyer’s college decision came down to Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, it was no question that the Ohio native would play for the Buckeyes.

College: Sawyer saw action in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2021. Even though he was not a starter, he still provided meaningful depth in a rotational role. Sawyer was an All-Big 10 Honorable Mention in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Sawyer was named Second Team All-Big 10. Sawyer notched 6 sacks and 6 TFLs in his final season with the Buckeyes.

Strengths: Jack Sawyer is a big body standup edge rusher who can use a variety of techniques to win his matchup. Not only is Sawyer dominant off the edge, but he also can hold his own when covering shallow crossers or the flats. Off the edge, Sawyer does well to quickly diagnose run and pass plays, showing no hesitancy in pursuing the football. Sawyer makes quick work of getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc within the pocket. Sawyer does well with executing stunts and double moves with exceptional burst and violent cuts. His quick first step allows him to get even a half second on the offensive line, which is all the time he needs when executing these stunts. He has a great speed to power move as he is one of the strongest pound for pound players in the nation. His burst off the line converts to power that is tough for any lineman to handle.

Weaknesses: Sawyer does have his weaknesses, especially in the pass rushing aspect. He doesn’t work inside enough, causing himself to either be pushed away from the quarterback or he works himself too far up the backfield and puts himself behind the quarterback. He needs to have better bend and dip in order to not get pushed around on the edge of the pocket. Sawyer lines up anywhere from 3-tech to 7-tech, but he is not nearly as effective on the interior as he has trouble clogging gaps and executing assignments there.

Conclusion: Jack Sawyer will be a project and he is currently a work in progress, but there is a ton of upside to be seen in his game. His power has gotten him by up until this point, he just needs to add a bit more finesse and he will be a true contributor at a high level.

Scheme Versatile: 3-4

Ideal Role: OLB

Best Team Fits: CHI, SEA, TB

Player Comparison: Sam Hubbard

Draft Grade: Round 3 (82.4)