Most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Ohio State standout defensive end In the second round, Jack Sawyer ends up alongside former Buckeyes colleagues.
Most Recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Ohio State Standout Defensive End Jack Sawyer Ends Up in the Second Round, Joining Former Buckeyes Colleagues
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement surrounding the event is growing with each passing week. This year’s draft class is filled with intriguing talent from across the country, including some standout athletes from Ohio State University. The Buckeyes have long been a breeding ground for NFL prospects, with a legacy of producing top-tier talent that has made its mark at the professional level. One player who is generating significant buzz ahead of the draft is defensive end Jack Sawyer, a standout from Ohio State whose name has been popping up in the second round of most mock drafts.
Sawyer’s journey from a highly-touted recruit to a key defensive force for Ohio State has been nothing short of impressive. Known for his elite athleticism, pass-rushing ability, and motor, Sawyer is one of the top defensive prospects of the 2025 draft class. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ has made him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in recent years, and his potential to make an immediate impact at the next level has NFL scouts excited.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Sawyer’s career, his rise to NFL draft prominence, and his projection for the 2025 NFL Draft. Additionally, we’ll explore the idea of Sawyer being selected in the second round, where he could potentially join forces with other former Ohio State standouts, forming a new wave of Buckeyes talent at the professional level.
Jack Sawyer: The Rise of a Defensive Star
Jack Sawyer’s path to becoming one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft didn’t happen overnight. Born and raised in Ohio, Sawyer’s football journey began at the high school level, where he became one of the top defensive recruits in the nation. Playing for Pickerington North High School, Sawyer’s athleticism and ability to rush the passer quickly caught the attention of college scouts. His combination of size (standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 265 pounds), strength, and agility made him an ideal candidate to excel at the collegiate level.
In 2021, Sawyer committed to Ohio State, a program known for developing elite defensive players. As a member of the Buckeyes, Sawyer quickly made his presence felt, both on and off the field. His work ethic, dedication, and willingness to learn from veteran players helped him grow rapidly in his first season with the team. Despite being a freshman, Sawyer contributed to Ohio State’s defensive line rotation and began to show glimpses of the potential that would later make him an NFL prospect.
By his sophomore season, Sawyer had emerged as a key player for Ohio State, making significant strides in his pass-rushing ability and overall impact on games. He displayed the ability to take over games with his relentless motor, explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, and ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. His versatility allowed him to play both inside and outside on the defensive line, which made him a valuable asset to the Buckeyes’ defense. Sawyer’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and his natural feel for the game made him one of the top defensive players in the Big Ten, and by the time his junior season arrived, he was firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.
Sawyer’s Game: Strengths and Attributes
Jack Sawyer’s game revolves around his high motor, relentless pursuit of the quarterback, and physicality. He is a well-rounded defensive end who excels in both the pass-rush and run-defense aspects of the game. Let’s take a look at some of the key attributes that make Sawyer one of the top defensive prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Pass-Rush Ability: One of Sawyer’s most impressive traits is his ability to get to the quarterback. His quick first step and explosive burst off the line of scrimmage allow him to consistently pressure quarterbacks. Sawyer has the ability to bend the edge and make it difficult for offensive tackles to contain him. His speed, agility, and hand usage are among the best in the draft class, and his ability to create havoc in the backfield is a major asset.
- Versatility: Sawyer’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line is another key strength. Whether it’s as a traditional defensive end or in an interior pass-rushing role, Sawyer’s skill set allows him to excel in a variety of alignments. This versatility will make him valuable to NFL teams who run a variety of defensive schemes and need a player who can move around the defensive front.
- Football IQ: Sawyer’s understanding of the game and his ability to read offenses have been critical to his success. He has a keen awareness of where the ball is going and how to take advantage of offensive linemen’s weaknesses. His anticipation of plays and awareness of his surroundings make him an effective player against both the pass and the run.
- Work Ethic and Intensity: Perhaps the most important aspect of Sawyer’s game is his relentless motor. He plays with a passion and intensity that rubs off on his teammates and disrupts offenses. Sawyer’s work ethic both in practice and during games is evident in his consistent performance and his ability to make plays in critical moments.
- Run Defense: While Sawyer is primarily known for his pass-rushing abilities, he is also a strong player against the run. His size and strength allow him to set the edge effectively and prevent running backs from gaining significant yardage on the outside. He is also adept at shedding blockers and making tackles in the backfield, which makes him a well-rounded defensive end.
NFL Draft Projection: Second Round or Higher?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Jack Sawyer’s name is being mentioned among the top defensive prospects. His combination of physical tools, technique, and work ethic makes him an intriguing player for NFL teams in need of pass-rushing help. While it’s possible that Sawyer could go in the first round, many analysts project him to be selected in the second round of the draft.
Why the second round? Although Sawyer has the potential to be a first-round pick, there are a few factors that might push him to the second round. For one, the depth of the defensive line class in 2025 is remarkable, with several highly talented players competing for spots at the top of the draft board. Additionally, Sawyer’s development as a pass-rusher is still a work in progress, and some teams may feel that he needs another year or two to fully refine his technique at the professional level.
However, Sawyer’s talent is undeniable, and his strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways will make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive lines. If Sawyer continues to impress during the pre-draft process with his physical testing, interviews, and workouts, there is a strong chance he could work his way into the first round. However, as it stands, the second round remains a realistic projection for the Ohio State standout.
Sawyer’s Potential Landing Spots: Former Buckeyes Colleagues
One of the most exciting aspects of Jack Sawyer’s potential landing spot in the 2025 NFL Draft is the possibility of him joining former Ohio State teammates in the professional ranks. The Buckeyes have produced a remarkable number of NFL-caliber players in recent years, and many of them have already made their mark in the league. In the 2025 draft, Sawyer could potentially reunite with former Ohio State stars who are already playing in the NFL.
For example, there are several teams in need of a pass rusher that also happen to feature former Ohio State players. Teams like the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers have had success with former Buckeyes in recent years and could be in the market for another Ohio State product in Sawyer. These teams would benefit from adding a player of Sawyer’s caliber, and his familiarity with other former Buckeyes in the locker room could help him adjust to the NFL level quickly.
Additionally, there are also some intriguing matchups where Sawyer could be paired with current Ohio State players in the NFL. For instance, teaming up with a player like Chase Young, a defensive end for the Washington Commanders, could give Sawyer the opportunity to learn from one of the best pass rushers in the league. Similarly, the possibility of joining a team with a former Ohio State defensive coordinator or coach could provide Sawyer with a seamless transition into the NFL, where he could continue to thrive and develop as a key defensive player.
The Future of Jack Sawyer in the NFL
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, Jack Sawyer’s future in the league looks incredibly promising. With his combination of raw talent, drive, and football intelligence, he is poised to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects him. Whether he goes in the first or second round, Sawyer’s NFL future is bright, and his time at Ohio State has set him up for success at the next level.
For the Ohio State program, Sawyer’s success is just another testament to the university’s ability to develop elite football talent and produce future NFL stars. As Sawyer continues his journey from the college ranks to the pros, Buckeyes fans will be watching closely, hoping to see one of their own make a significant impact in the NFL.
No matter where he lands, one thing is certain: Jack Sawyer is a name that NFL fans will be hearing a lot more of in the coming years.
