Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Jack Sawyer, EDGE
School: The Ohio State University | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Senior | Draft Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’5”/ 260 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid 2nd – 3rd round
Player Comparison: Shades of Cameron Thomas / Sam Hubbard
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2021* | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | DE | 12 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2022* | Ohio State | Big Ten | SO | DE | 13 | 10 | 14 | 24 | 7 | 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023* | Ohio State | Big Ten | JR | DE | 13 | 24 | 24 | 48 | 10 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2024* | Ohio State | Big Ten | SR | DE | 16 | 25 | 34 | 59 | 9 | 9.0 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 94 | 2 | 3 | |
| Career | 54 | 68 | 76 | 144 | 29 | 23.0 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 94 | 2 | 6 | |||||
Player Overview
A highly touted 5-star high school prospect, Jack Sawyer became a steady presence on Ohio State’s defensive line. Sawyer’s collegiate career shows consistent improvement each season, culminating in his last season being his best with near career highs in every statistical category (59 combined tackles, 9.0 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles (all recovered, 2 returned for touchdowns).
Jack Sawyer is an all-around defensive end who is best suited for a 4-3 defensive front alignment. He is a well-built, high floor player who is able to win his pass rushing matchups through bull rushes that collapse the pockets. He is also adept as a run defender, manipulating offensive linemen, tracking runners, and shedding blocks. However, Sawyer lacks the speed, explosion, and fluidity that is desired of the position. But this has not stopped Sawyer’s ability to be an impactful player for the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. While Sawyer’s lack of athleticism limits his scheme flexibility at the pro-level, he projects to start as a rotational defensive end who can grow into an every down starter in the right scenario.
Metrics
PFF: 90.5 Overall Grade
2025 NFL Draft Edge Rusher productivity
There are 8 Players with at least an 80 grade for Pass Rush and Run Defense:
– Josiah Stewart (Michigan)
– Jared Ivey (Ole Miss)
– Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
– Mike Green (Marshall)
– Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)
– James Pearce… pic.twitter.com/9cxNPWFFm8— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) February 23, 2025
Awards
- All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2022, 2023)
- Academic All-Big Ten (2023)
Strengths
- NFL-ready frame for defensive end/EDGE position
- Keeps his eyes in the backfield to monitor the RB and QB
- Has good overall traits
- Disciplined run defender with the ability to consistently shed blocks
- Good combination of power and motor to help collapse the pocket
- Does well reading and reacting to play actions
Weaknesses
- Lacks explosive first step
- Needs to involve more hand work to mitigate lack of reach
- Reliant on hand-to-hand to win pass rush
- Lacks top-level athleticism
- Subpar bend to get around better offensive tackles
- Needs work on finishing in the backfield. High missed tackle rate
Let’s See His Work
Jack Sawyer’s number is #33
JACK SAWYER SCOOP AND SCORE PUTS IT AWAY FOR OHIO STATE OMG pic.twitter.com/NaBr35KPvc
— The Sports Place (@offsportsplace) January 11, 2025
Jack Sawyer was quietly one of the best edge defenders in the nation in both phases of the game at Ohio State.
In 2024, I expect his impact will finally show up on the box scores and bolster his draft stock. pic.twitter.com/4dfLZJGg7d
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) May 27, 2024
I don’t want this play by Jack Sawyer (33) to get lost in what happened at the end of ‘The Game’ or Michigan winning.
Just an excellent instinctual play to ‘feel’ that open WR behind him & drop.
— pic.twitter.com/TZS61hovMe— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) December 1, 2024
Interviews
How Will He Fit On The Team
Defensive end is a prime position Washington is looking to upgrade this offseason where only Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste are the top defensive ends under contract. Team sack and TFL leader Dante Fowler Jr. is an unrestricted free agent, looking for a raise in Washington or elsewhere. If the Commanders continue to run a 4-3 alignment, Jack Sawyer can fill in as a rookie starter or rotational end. He provides the defensive staff with a prospect with active hands, who can collapse the pocket through power, and a capable run defender. Sawyer fits the physical profile of the defensive ends head coach Dan Quinn looks for (6’2”+, 255 lbs+) and on day one can be a gritty impactful player to build upon Washington’s young foundation on the defensive front.