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Grady Jarrett

Grady Jarrett Player Profile

Summary

Grady Jarrett is a veteran NFL defensive tackle who, despite being undersized for his position, has consistently punched above his weight with high motor, disruptive play and solid production. He played college football at the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round (137th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. SI Over the course of his career, he has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and become a key interior piece of the Falcons’ defensive front. SI

Strengths

Here are some of Jarrett’s standout attributes:

  • Explosiveness & burst: Jarrett is noted for his outstanding first-step quickness, allowing him to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield effectively. Mile High Report

  • High motor & hustle: He consistently displays effort – chasing down plays, staying active through blocks and finishing his runs. Scouts have described him as “a bowling ball” with a relentless effort. Mile High Report

  • Run-stop ability: Despite not being the largest nose tackle, Jarrett has been very effective against the run, using leverage, quickness and technique to make plays at the point of attack and in penetration. Sports Forecaster

  • Pass-rush upside from the interior: Over his career, he has shown an ability to get into the backfield and generate pressure as an interior threat — a trait that elevates his value. SI

  • Durability & consistency (at his peak): For many seasons, Jarrett was a dependable starter and anchor for the Falcons’ defensive line. Mile High Report

Weaknesses

While Jarrett has many positives, he also has had some areas of limitation:

  • Size / length limitations: Jarrett has been regarded as “undersized” for a traditional interior defensive lineman — his lack of ideal height and arm length has occasionally been cited as a limitation. SI

  • Strength at point of attack (vs. elite big blockers): In early scouting, it was noted that while he could penetrate quickly, sustaining blocks and holding up against powerful double teams was a concern. Bleacher Report

  • Downturn in pass-rush production in recent years: According to recent team internal reviews, Jarrett’s sack totals and disruptive plays have dipped compared to his peak years. For example, in 2024 he posted only 2.5 sacks — one of his lowest totals in a full season. Atlanta Falcons

  • Injury risk / recovery: Like many interior linemen with high usage, maintaining peak physical condition and managing wear have become more significant as Jarrett’s career has progressed. The Falcoholic

Fit & Outlook

Jarrett’s career trajectory shows that he carved out a high-value role through technique, effort and explosiveness — even without ideal size for the position. Looking ahead:

  • If healthy and motivated, he can continue to be a very effective interior presence in a defense, especially in schemes that exploit his burst and leverage.

  • His ceiling may be somewhat capped by the physical limitations noted (size, length, power vs. elite blockers), but his floor remains strong because of his proven production and work ethic.

  • For teams seeking a disruptive interior lineman who can contribute in both run defense and pass rush, Jarrett offers a good mix of traits — especially in sub-packages or as part of a rotation.

  • Continued value will depend on staying healthy, adapting to changes in scheme/role (e.g., playing more on passing downs or rotating to maximize freshness), and finding ways to stay disruptive despite age or wear.