Aggies McKinnley Jackson A 'Sleeper' NFL Draft Pick?

Depending on how one views Texas A&M defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, he could end up being the next George Kittle or Isiah Pacheco of defensive tackles in 2025.

George Kittle finished his Iowa career with 48 catches and less than 1,000 yards next to his name. Isaih Pacheco never rushed for 1,000 yards in a single season at Rutgers and finished with less than 20 career touchdowns. And before he became an All-Pro left tackle, Jason Peters was a primary blocking tight end at Arkansas.

Fans focus their attention on production. Scouts look at traits that could keep prospects flourishing in the NFL. And depending on how one views Texas A&M defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, he could end up being the next Kittle or Pacheco of defensive tackles come 2025. 

ESPN recently spoke with a handful of league scouts to discuss players flying under the radar entering the 2023 regular season. Jackson, who enters his fourth season in College Station, was listed as one of 10 players who could be making headlines entering the draft next fall due to his explosive first step and persistence in practice. 

"The first thing you notice is his explosiveness. There is so much power generated off the snap. He's hard to handle one-on-one," an NFC area scout who covers Texas told ESPN's Matt Miller. 

"You talk to the coaches down there and they'll tell you the O-line is struggling to contain him -- and that's a veteran interior line down there," said another NFC scout. "If he's doing that in practice, watch out."

Jackson flirted with the idea of leaving the program following a woeful 5-7 season in 2022. His traits likely would have garnered late-round buzz and, at worst, an invite to training camp as an undrafted free agent.

Headlining the defensive front seven in 2023, Jackson's return only bolsters the potential of A&M's defense this fall alongside fellow starters Demani Richardson, Edgerrin Cooper and Fadil Diggs. The 6-2 nose tackle will be the leader up front, but reinforcements with a more experienced line should help change the persona around the program. 

Last season, Jackson posted 6.5 tackles for loss and 13 tackles against the run. As a nose guard, his role often pertains to controlling the run game, though he could be looking to up his production as a situational pass rusher. In three seasons, Jackson's only totaled 4.5 sacks, two of which came in 2022. 

Niche players with designed roles are becoming vital at the NFL, so a potent year upfront could help boost Jackson's stock heading into 2023. A year back at Kyle Field should do wonders from a teaching standpoint for future A&M standouts, including Walter Nolen, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, LT Overton, and Malick Sylla. 

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