D'Marco Jackson
LB, Appalachian St. · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #161 (NOR)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position. Details below.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #136 (#12 at his position), close to where he went (#161).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Appalachian St.: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at 233 lbs: faster than 83% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 42 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~62%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 49 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 6 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1.9 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 7.9 |
| Defense | 33 tackles, 1 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 233 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.55 s |
| Vertical | 33" |
| Broad jump | 125" |
| Arm / hand | 32.38" / 9.38" |
| Age at draft | 24 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #136 overall (#12 LB) |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 158 | Tyreke Smith | redraft #253 |
| 159 | Eric Johnson | redraft #168 |
| 160 | Otito Ogbonnia | redraft #93 |
| 162 | Montrell Washington | redraft #239 |
| 163 | Kyle Philips | redraft #183 |
| 164 | Kyren Williams | redraft #14 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.