LINEBACKER
TOP 5 QB VIDEO
1
Bryce Young
2
CJ Stroud
3
Hendon Hooker
4
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
5
Jaren Hall
1
Trenton Simpson
LB / CLEMSON / 6'2 / 235
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Simpson is an electric linebacker with an explosive skillset. His speed is off the charts. He ran a 4.43 (an outstanding number for the position) but plays even faster on tape. Simpson has limitless range and can truly make plays on all levels of the field. Relative to his size, he is a substantial contributor as a pass-rusher. Unlike other guys of similar rank, Simpson is more scheme dependent. However, if appropriately utilized - he can become dangerous. Simpson can add some mass, and I wish he were slightly more instinctive in coverage. Nonetheless, his athletic tools and trigger will make him a valuable player.
Grade: Round 2
Jeremiah Owusu.
2
Jack Campbell
LB / IOWA / 6'4 / 249
Campbell is an imposing linebacker with a ton of valuable qualities. His thick frame allows him to employ physicality across the field. Campbell is a consistent and reliable tackler with good awareness and fundamentals. He is a very smart player with good leadership skills. Campbell will be capable of leading a defence and producing in big games. His lack of range and athleticism will limit his potential. However, Campbell should be a quality starter in the NFL with a long and productive career.
Grade: Round 2
Logan Wilson
3
Drew Sanders
LB / ARKANSAS / 6'4 / 235
Sanders is a unique linebacker with an impressive set of physical tools. He has a great athletic profile and the range to operate from sideline to sideline. Sanders adds a ton of value as a pass-rusher and was highly productive last season with 9.5 sacks. He is a quick player with good balance. Sanders needs to add some mass to maximize his potential, and he is very inexperienced, with just one year as an off-ball linebacker. With room to grow and many physical tools, Sanders should be a quality linebacker with a high upside.
Grade: Round 2
Zach Cunningham
4
Henry To'oto'o
LB / ALABAMA / 6'1 / 227
To'oTo'o is a unique linebacker with a versatile skill set. He is a highly experienced player with a ton of production at Alabama. A strong leader and contributor at the highest level of College football, To'oTo'o has a strong resume. He possesses quick feet and has a rapid trigger. To'oTo'o is a technically savvy competitor who always gives high effort and shows up to make plays. My biggest concern here is the size. He is going to struggle in the trenches - potentially limiting his impact. However, To'oTo'o is a natural playmaker who can become a valuable matchup-oriented linebacker.
Grade: Round 2
Matt Milano
5
Daiyan Henley
LB / WASHINGTON ST. / 6'2 / 225
Henley is an explosive linebacker with toughness and a high motor. He is a long player who hustles on every play. One way of putting it - Henley is more active than he is instinctive. He is inexperienced at the position and has a ton of developmental room to grow. Henley is a guy that can be all over the place and rack up a high number in the tackle collum. He needs to be bigger to play a traditional linebacker role and add size if he wants to contribute fully.
Grade: Round 3
Deion Jones
6
DeMarvion Overshown
LB / TEXAS / 6'3 / 229
Overshown is an explosive linebacker with a ton of range and upside. Once he diagnoses a play, he launches out of a cannon and possesses the athleticism to move all around the field. Overshown's long stature and physical tools make him an exciting player with a ton of versatility and playmaking abilities. He lacks any functional strength to be an every-down player and can quickly get taken out of the trenches. Overshown must improve his tackling technique at the next level. With his athletic profile and explosiveness, I see him adding much value as a blitzer and matchup/coverage-specific player.
Grade: Round 3
Mykal Walker
7
Nick Herbig
LB / WISCONSIN / 6'2 / 240
Herbig is a productive linebacker with a ton of upside as a pass-rusher. He has impressive sack production in college, with 18 over two seasons. 26 percent of Herbig's tackles were for a loss - and he has a knack for making big plays. He has a consistent pass-rush plan and is deceptive and quick in his pursuit. Herbig's game is primarily on the line, meaning he must add mass to continue his success. His lack of versatility may hurt his stock, but I see Herbig as a productive pass-rusher with the adequate ability to drop into coverage
Grade: Round 3
Andrew Van Ginkel
8
Ivan Pace Jr.
LB / CINCINNATI / 5'11 / 231
Pace jr. is a tough and exciting linebacker with an elite pass-rush repertoire. His ability as a blitzer is top-notch, both in terms of finesse and production. Pace Jr. has a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage, and his rugged demeanour will be appreciated at the next level. I question whether his size will allow him to continue the same production in the NFL. Pace Jr. will not add as much in coverage and will likely make most of his money in the box. For his current stock, I see Pace Jr. overachieving and continuing to produce in the NFL.
Grade: Round 3
Denzel Perryman
9
Noah Sewell
LB / OREGON / 6'1 / 246
Sewell is a thick linebacker with a high motor and a ton of functional strength. He has the tools to win at the line of scrimmage and contribute in the trenches. Sewell is a valuable pass-rusher and should be able to continue that at the next level. His play recognition sometimes seems slow, and he needs to improve as an open-field tackler. Sewell's change of direction and agility worries me. He has the motor and size to thrive, but his overaggressive trigger and technical inconsistencies may limit his upside at the next level.
Grade: Round 4
D'onta Hightower
10
Cam Jones
LB / INDIANA / 6'1 / 226
Jones is an instinctive linebacker with an impressive college resume. He possesses solid play recognition and has the short-area quickness and footwork to make plays consistently. A team captain at Indiana, Jones receives rave reviews about his leadership qualities. His vision and fundamental tackling ability allow him to rack up the number in the tackle collum. Jones's athleticism and power combination is underwhelming. However, he is a well-rounded football player who should be able to carve out a decent role at the next level.
Grade: Round 4
Jayon Brown
11
Owen Pappoe
LB / AUBURN / 6'0 / 225
Pappoe is an explosive linebacker with an electric play style. His downhill trigger is truly impressive, and he has the burst to close in pursuit. One of the fastest linebackers in the class, Pappoe possesses the range to move across the entire field. He is a solid tackler but can get overpowered by bigger linemen when trying to disengage from blocks. His processing speed needs to improve, and he could develop a more consistent feel for the game. His physical tools are undeniable, and he should be able to make plays because of them.
Grade: Round 4
Christian Harris
12
Aubrey Miller Jr.
LB / JACKSON ST. / 6'2 / 229
Miller Jr. is a compact linebacker with a knack for finding the ball. He is a high-motor competitor putting a ton of intensity on the field. The pop behind his hits is evident on tape - and, in terms of strength, he plays well beyond his 230-pound listing. Miller Jr. has violent hands and is always near the play. He inflicts organized chaos and clearly has a passion on the field. He won't provide much as a coverage guy - but I think he can provide a ton of value as a two-down linebacker.
Grade: Round 4
Ja'Whaun Bentley
13
Dorrian Williams
LB / TULANE / 6'0 / 228
Williams is a toolsy linebacker with outstanding speed and range. His downhill pursuit is impressive on tape, and he can effortlessly move from sideline to sideline. Williams is a long and muscular player who looks the part of a linebacker. However, he is definitely undersized to consistently play the position. His skill set fits more as a hybrid safety than a linebacker. Williams is solid in coverage and has the coveted physical tools as a prospect. With the changing game, he could be an effective and unique player if drafted by a team who understands how to utilize him.
Grade: Round 4
Kyle Dugger
14
Ventrell Miller
LB / FLORIDA / 6'0 / 232
Miller is a highly productive and experienced college linebacker. He quickly diagnoses a play and operates with good timing and feel. Miller has good vision in the run game and possesses a physical demeanour. His athleticism and physical tools are underwhelming, and although he has adequate strength, he could definitely add some mass. Miller does not have too many glaring holes, but I don't see too many special traits. With that being said, the Florida product can be a quality rotational player.
Grade: Round 5
Jordyn Brooks
15
Dee Winter
LB / TCU / 5'11 / 227
Winters is a twitchy linebacker with impressive speed. He moves very well in open space and is a fluid player. Winters is patient and does not get overly aggressive. He is dangerous in the backfield and can be a versatile competitor. His lack of size is concerning - and I can't see him having any impact in the trenches. While his awareness is good, he is still a tick slow reacting and making a play. Additionally, Winters's block deconstruction is underwhelming. He can provide some value in certain packages, but should be a rotational player at the next level.
Grade: Round 5
Nakobe Dean
16
Mohamoud Diabate
LB / UTAH / 6'4 / 229
Diabate is a springy and athletic linebacker who moves very well in space. He is a solid tackler who possesses a ton of versatility. Diabate is very flexible and can make plays both on the line of scrimmage and across the field. I question his physical power and ability to win with more than finesse. Diabate has the skills to excel in coverage but needs to improve his overall awareness in that area. I see him as a day-three pick who can provide some rotational value and versatility.