The Undrafted Surge: How Nick Jackson Overcame The NFL Combine Snub To Become A Buccaneers Linebacker

The narrative surrounding the NFL Draft is often defined by the top-round picks, but the true grit of the league is found in the stories of the Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs). As of December 17, 2025, one of the most compelling narratives from the 2024 class belongs to linebacker Nick Jackson, who transformed a surprising snub from the NFL Combine into a launching pad for his professional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His path, defined by relentless production at both the University of Virginia and the University of Iowa, is a testament to the fact that talent will always find a way, even when the official draft process overlooks it.

Jackson’s journey from a highly decorated college linebacker to an unheralded UDFA who quickly became a preseason standout rookie is a blueprint for aspiring players. His ability to lead a defense and consistently rack up tackles made him one of the most productive linebackers in college football, proving that the foundation for NFL success was already firmly in place long before his name was called—or not called—on draft day.

Nick Jackson: Full Biography and College Career Profile

Linebacker Nick Jackson established himself as one of the most consistent and high-volume tacklers in the nation during his six-year collegiate career. His journey spanned two major programs, culminating in a successful transition to the professional ranks.

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• Full Name: Nick Jackson
• Position: Linebacker (LB) / Inside Linebacker (ILB)
• Date of Birth: January 5, 2001
• Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
• High School: The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA)
• College Career: Virginia Cavaliers (2018–2022), Iowa Hawkeyes (2023)
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 235 lbs
• NFL Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) - 2024 Class
• Current Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Jersey No. 53)
• Key College Awards: All-ACC Second Team (2022), All-ACC Honorable Mention (2021), All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2023)

The Virginia Cavaliers Years: A Tackling Machine

Jackson began his collegiate career at the University of Virginia (UVA), where he quickly became the heart of the Cavaliers' defense.

• He was a four-year starter and team captain, known for his leadership on and off the field.
• In 2021, he amassed 117 total tackles, earning an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection.
• His peak performance came in 2022, where he recorded 104 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss (TFL), and 5.0 sacks, which earned him a prestigious All-ACC Second Team nod.
• He finished his UVA career with 354 career tackles, showcasing his elite tackling consistency in the ACC.

The Iowa Hawkeyes Season: Proving Ground in the Big Ten

For his final collegiate season in 2023, Jackson transferred to the University of Iowa, a program renowned for developing linebackers and defensive talent.

• He immediately became a defensive leader for the Hawkeyes, leading the team in total tackles.
• His performance in the Big Ten, a conference known for its physicality, resulted in another All-Conference Honorable Mention, demonstrating his ability to produce regardless of the defensive scheme or league.
• Jackson’s six-year collegiate career concluded with a staggering 504 total tackles, a rare mark of durability and production.

The NFL Combine Snub and Pro Day Redemption

Despite his elite production and extensive experience, Jackson was surprisingly not invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. This omission was a major talking point among draft analysts and served as powerful motivation for the veteran linebacker.

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Instead of letting the snub define him, Jackson channeled his energy into a dominant performance at the Iowa Pro Day. His athletic testing results were impressive, silencing critics who questioned his speed and burst at the professional level.

• 40-Yard Dash: He was officially clocked at 4.65 seconds, a solid time for an inside linebacker, with some reports even citing an eye-opening 4.45 seconds.
• Vertical Jump: Jackson showed off his explosiveness with a 34.5-inch vertical jump.
• Broad Jump: He posted a strong 9-foot, 5-inch broad jump, showcasing lower-body power.
• Bench Press: He put up 16 repetitions of 225 pounds, a respectable number for his position.

His Pro Day performance confirmed his athletic traits, proving he possessed the necessary speed and power to translate his high-level college production to the NFL. This display, combined with his extensive tape, was enough to keep him firmly on the radar of NFL scouting departments, particularly those looking for high-character, high-floor depth.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Buccaneers Preseason Star

The 2024 NFL Draft came and went without Nick Jackson’s name being called, confirming his status as an Undrafted Free Agent. However, the wait was short. He quickly signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, choosing the franchise that offered him the best opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

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The Preseason PFF Breakout

Jackson made an immediate and undeniable impact during the Buccaneers' preseason games. His performance was not just solid; it was electric.

• In his debut against the Tennessee Titans, Jackson delivered a phenomenal performance that included a sack and an interception.
• His play earned him a staggering 90.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) for Preseason Week 1, ranking him as one of the highest-graded rookies in the entire league, regardless of draft status.
• PFF analysts noted he was the fifth-highest-graded linebacker overall during that week, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays and cover ground.
• He was praised for creating an "electric surge" on the defense and putting himself in a strong position to battle for a coveted spot on the 53-man roster.

Roster Battle and Rookie Season Impact

Despite his stellar preseason, the Buccaneers’ roster depth at inside linebacker, featuring veterans like Lavonte David and Devin White (or their replacements, depending on the current roster), presented a tough challenge. Jackson was initially part of the challenging roster cuts but was quickly re-signed, a common practice for high-potential UDFAs to be placed on the practice squad for continued development.

His impressive training camp and preseason ensured he remained a key developmental piece for the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator. His ability to contribute on special teams, combined with his natural instincts as a run defender, makes him a valuable depth piece for the team heading into the 2025 season.

The Future Outlook for Nick Jackson

Nick Jackson’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that the draft is merely an invitation, not a final judgment. His path as a UDFA to a high-performing rookie demonstrates his mental fortitude and football acumen.

The Buccaneers view Jackson as a potential long-term asset. His college production, combined with his athletic testing and preseason flash, suggests he has the ceiling of a rotational linebacker and a core special teams player. As the Buccaneers look to maintain their defensive identity, Jackson's relentless motor and versatility—developed over his six collegiate seasons—will be critical. He is a player to watch closely in the coming seasons, as he continues to defy the odds and prove that an NFL Combine snub is simply a detour on the road to success.

His current contract details, while typical of a UDFA, show the team's commitment, with a base salary expected to increase as he accrues more seasons. Jackson has already proven he can compete with the best, and his ongoing battle to secure a permanent spot on the 53-man roster is one of the most compelling storylines for the Tampa Bay franchise.