The 2025 NFL Draft begins on April 24 and to prepare for it, we need Vikings fans to be fully prepared in every way. Sure, we’ll cover the players the Vikings will need, but it’s important to go beyond that.
In the case of this report on defensive lineman, we will be covering the position here at Vikings Wire as the team needs better talent at the position.
The Vikings locked up Harrison Phillips after extending him earlier in the year. Outside of Phillips, the team has a rotation of players, many of whom are impending free agents. Having another difference maker in the middle, perhaps one who can outplay Rush more than Phillips, would be a good compliment.
With that in mind, here is a defensive tackle prospect who could don a Vikings uniform next season.
Player information
Player: Cam Jackson
School: Florida (formerly Memphis)
Year: Fifth-year senior
DOB (age at time of writing): N / A
Height (unofficial): 6-5
Weight (unofficial): 280 pounds.
Player Background
![Tigers place kicker Damian Ramos (34) makes a 50-yard field goal to tie the game during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, as Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) and Florida Gators defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) attempt to block the kick. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EhAxWUdL4zHiFjCkQZK1Eg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY3NA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/tampa_bay_buccaneers_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_162/44e0bd1105b645bda4655e91773c6aca)
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4-star recruit according to 247 Sports
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Originally committed to LSU but returned to Memphis
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Third team All-AAC in 2022
Career Statistics
Games played: 57
Attacks: 55
Tackles for a loss: 11
Bags: 4
Pass deflections: 5
Notable PFF numbers during the 2024 season
![Florida Gators defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) gets a hand on UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey (7) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B5VgDaNoIaubSD6L6aLlyQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/tampa_bay_buccaneers_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_162/b390af3b0e2bdfe64b797646374ae997)
Run Defense Level: 81.5
Pass the Rush rating: 61.7
QB hurries: 11
QB hits: 1
Defensive stops: 20
Player Strengths
Tackle
Cam Jackson is a reliable defender because of the strength and technique he uses to guard the interior defensive line. He’s also reliable if he gets his hands on you in the backfield, where even if he’s not in position to make the play, he can still get it back with his grip strength on a runner.
Size/Length
Jackson has the size and length you look for in building an interior defensive lineman. This allows him to be a factor in the running game as he clogs up running lanes with his size. His length is used to gain leverage on blockers so he can win matchups with them from play to play.
Awareness
Jackson keeps his head rotating and follows the ball carrier to apply pressure on him. Whether it’s a running back or a running back, he does a great job of keeping up with them as plays go on. Jackson also does a great job following the quarterback to play at the line and punch the ball.
Trait Categories
Speed/Penetration: 6
Power: 5.7
Peak movements: 5
Counters: 5
Leverage: 6
To land : 7
Size/Length: 6.7
Run the defense: 6
Athletics: 5
Awareness: 6.3
Player Summary
Cam Jackson has a chance to get some important reps at the Senior Bowl, where he can win one-on-one. His best traits are his strength and influence, and getting this chance in front of all 32 NFL teams will be monumental for his draft stock. Jackson doesn’t appear in the film, but he could be someone who is part of a rotation as he develops certain traits. Jalen Redmond was able to do that for Minnesota and he is now an impact player for their defensive front. I think Cam Jackson, over time, could also become something more than a rotational piece.
Player level: 5.93
Projected role: Medium save or special teamer
This article was originally published on Bucs Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cam Jackson, DL, Florida
