Could Jack Sawyer of Ohio State join forces with a former adversary? Examining his potential NFL Draft destinations
Jack Sawyer is a name that stands out in the college football world, especially for Ohio State fans, where he played an integral role as an edge rusher for one of the most successful programs in the nation. As he prepares for the NFL draft, Sawyer’s journey will be one where he not only competes against top-tier talent but also potentially reunites with former adversaries who could become future teammates.
Ohio State has long been a pipeline to the NFL, with numerous players from the school finding success at the professional level. The likes of Joey Bosa, Chase Young, and Nick Bosa have all made their mark as edge rushers, and Sawyer is hoping to follow in those footsteps. But unlike many of his predecessors, Sawyer might find himself in a situation where he could join forces with a former adversary—a situation that could be pivotal in both his career and the future of the NFL.
To explore this potential scenario, let’s first take a deep dive into Jack Sawyer’s game, his prospects in the NFL Draft, and what it might mean for him to join forces with someone he once competed against on the field.
Jack Sawyer’s journey to Ohio State began as a highly touted recruit, ranked among the best edge rushers in the 2021 class. His path to playing time at a school like Ohio State, which boasts one of the most competitive defensive lines in college football, has not been easy. Yet, Sawyer’s work ethic and high football IQ made him a staple of Ohio State’s defense.
By his sophomore year, Sawyer had already made an impact as a pass rusher, known for his ability to collapse the pocket and his quick first step. While he didn’t fully match the explosive starts of players like Chase Young or Nick Bosa, Sawyer demonstrated his ability to be disruptive. His combination of size (6’5″, 250 pounds) and athleticism made him a matchup problem for offensive linemen across the Big Ten.
Sawyer’s primary strength is his ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks. His long arms, quickness off the line of scrimmage, and burst make him dangerous in pass-rushing situations. He’s a flexible athlete who can bend around the edge, using his speed to get to the quarterback quickly. Though not yet as refined as some of his predecessors, Sawyer’s physical traits give him a tremendous ceiling.
While his pass-rush ability has been the focal point, Sawyer has continued to develop his skills in defending the run. His size and strength allow him to be an effective edge setter, although he could improve his ability to disengage from blockers and shed tackles more efficiently.
Sawyer’s ability to line up at different spots along the defensive line offers added value. In today’s NFL, where defensive lines are becoming more fluid, a player who can rush from multiple angles is a tremendous asset. Sawyer’s versatility allows him to line up both as a traditional defensive end and in more creative alignments.
To truly be a top-tier NFL pass rusher, Sawyer must refine his technique in several areas:
Sawyer is still in the process of developing a full repertoire of pass-rush moves. Currently, his best weapon is his speed off the line, but as he faces higher levels of competition, he will need to diversify his arsenal with more counter moves, hand techniques, and a better ability to read offensive linemen’s tendencies.
Although he is capable of setting the edge in the run game, Sawyer could improve his ability to disengage from offensive linemen quickly. NFL tackles are more skilled and more physical, so his ability to shed blocks will be crucial to his success.
As we look ahead to the NFL draft, Jack Sawyer is an intriguing prospect. While he may not be in the conversation for a top-five pick like some of his Ohio State predecessors, he still has the potential to be a first-round talent depending on how he performs in pre-draft workouts, interviews, and the combine. Several NFL teams could benefit from Sawyer’s services, particularly those with a need for edge-rush help. Let’s examine some potential landing spots for Sawyer in the draft:
The Bears are a team in need of a pass rusher to pair with their improving defense. A player like Sawyer could complement their defensive line, providing another body to rush the passer and shore up the defense. In a division like the NFC North, where teams like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings rely heavily on the passing game, a strong pass rush is key.
The Saints’ defense has been one of the more well-rounded units in the NFL, but they have struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. Pairing Sawyer with Cam Jordan could give them the one-two punch they need to compete with high-powered offenses in the NFC South.
The Cowboys have a top-tier defense, but they could use another edge rusher to complement Micah Parsons. Pairing Sawyer with Parsons would create a lethal combination on the edge and give the Cowboys defense one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
Another team that could greatly benefit from Sawyer’s pass-rush ability is the Buffalo Bills. With a need for more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Sawyer would fit well into the Bills’ defensive scheme. Pairing him with Von Miller, if he’s healthy, could make for a devastating edge-rushing tandem.
With an up-and-coming team under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions could be a great fit for Sawyer. Their defensive line is a work in progress, and they could use an athletic edge rusher to help fortify it. Sawyer’s ability to rush the passer while still being versatile enough to contribute to the run defense would mesh well with the Lions’ defensive philosophy.
One of the most interesting scenarios for Jack Sawyer is the possibility of joining forces with a former adversary—whether that’s someone from a rival school or a past opponent in the Big Ten. The concept of teammates once being rivals is a common thread in the NFL, especially in divisions or teams where former college adversaries find themselves drafted into the same locker room.
Given Sawyer’s background at Ohio State, one of the more natural pairings could be with former Buckeyes players who have already made the leap to the NFL. A player like Chase Young, who has made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, could be a possible ally in Washington (or wherever Young is playing by the time Sawyer is drafted). Having a former teammate to lean on, someone who has already navigated the transition to the pros, could accelerate Sawyer’s development.
Ohio State has had its fair share of rivals within the Big Ten—teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State have all provided strong competition. If Sawyer were to land on a team like the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings, he could find himself lining up alongside former adversaries like Aidan Hutchinson or Jalen Carter. These players might have been opponents on the field but now, as teammates, they would have a shared goal: taking down quarterbacks together.
Another interesting pairing could involve players who were rivals in college but now find themselves playing together at the next level. For instance, Sawyer could team up with former Michigan players, a highly competitive environment in the Big Ten. The shared rivalry could fuel a deeper connection as teammates, as both sides understand the intensity and pride that comes with the rivalry.
As Jack Sawyer continues to develop and prepare for the NFL Draft, his potential destinations and the idea of joining forces with former adversaries make for an exciting narrative. The edge rusher position is one of the most coveted in the NFL, and with Sawyer’s blend of size, athleticism, and potential, he is poised to make an impact at the next level.
Whether he ends up in Chicago, Buffalo, or another NFL city, Sawyer’s future is bright. Joining forces with former college adversaries—whether as teammates at Ohio State or former rivals from the Big Ten—could be an exciting chapter in his professional career. After all, the NFL is full of players who once competed against each other in college, but now find common ground in their pursuit of greatness on the professional stage. Jack Sawyer’s story is just beginning, and we will soon see where his next chapter takes him.
