2024 Linebackers
2024 LINEBACKER POSITION OVERVIEW
- Overall this is one of the weakest crop of quality Linebackers I can remember. With only three players I deem worthy of 1st round consideration and those late 1st round picks and then a considerable dropoff after that teams looking for help at this position will likely not find it. This will lead to numerous grave errors that will cost teams in the future, also expect desparate teams to convince themselves using information obtained from measurables, testing and "Pro Days" to draft players that will never be worth the money, time and effort. Of course this is a prevailing theme I have exposed to you. Before you spew out the over used term" they are the pro"s I'll leave it to them" or some other ridiculous version of the same thing take a long look at Draft History, Hell even a short look will prove my point!
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION INSIDE LINBACKERS
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15 year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant against run, excells at pass coverage, and an elite pass rusher when called upon. QB of the defense, Def coordinator on the Field major asset in calling audibles and lining up defense, misses NOTHING!! High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected, 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF disscussion. Must excell at all aspects of the game, run stuffing, pass coverage and pass rush and be elite at one or more, QB of defense Def Coach on the field, rarely misses the correct audible, team leader, character important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player at least competent as a Run stuffer, Pass rusher and in pass coverage and likely excells at one, Can at least handle the defensive calls and audibles, has an understanding of where everyone needs to be, Very solid and dependable player but the team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Possible specialist in run defense, pass rush or coverage. Player must at least be able to line up defense correctly and make basic audible calls. Likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Possibly excells at at least one aspect of the position. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Mid 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Player must at least show ability to line up defense, make some basic calls. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player,could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, has basic skill set needed for position, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career.Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary.Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
2024 4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER OVERALL CLASS RATING D
With the proliferation of 4-2-5 defenses popping up in CFB this position is getting phased out, few teams still use the spot the same.So look for this position to continue to fall from grace.
4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER RATINGS
Traditional inside MLB's suited for a single inside set. capable to defend both run and pass efficiently. Often QB of defense so intelligence vital piece of the puzzle. This can and does trump pure physical prowless and I will rate someone with high football IQ over physical talent, a quick search of the NFL's greatest MLB's will explain my thought process.
4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKERS RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Jaylen Ford Tx 6-2 236 87 Mid 2nd
I'm not sure why some don't like this kid, great production, athletic, 3 down player, smart, strong, quick, fast, reponible for 9 turnovers the past two seasons. He will start year one and have a very nice career.
2.Jeremiah Trotter Clem 6-0 230 85 Early 3rd
OVERRATED ALERT!! Some have him much higher, as high as 1st round, primarily due to pass rush skills. Not always the strongest against the run to me, a primary job of a MLB. still a solid player.
3.Nathaniel Watson MissSt 6-2 245 83 Late 3rd
This guy really blew up over the past two seasons. 250 tackles, 16 sacks, and 4 turnovers as well as running the defense. Not the most tech sound player but he just makes plays all over the field. He'll be drafted lower than this because he won't test well but the kids a beast and not only will he contribute year one on defense , he will be a fixture on special teams, great team 1st player.
4.Tom Eichenberg OhioSt 6-2 239 82 Early 4th
Intangables are off the chart, athletic ability marginal and limiting. Scheme fit will be critical to his success.
5.Nick jackson Iowa 6-1 234 81 Early 4th
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! As with all Iowa players, heady, well coached and always in the right place, over 450 career tackles, marginal athlete will keep him form greatness but should be a solid long term contributer..
6.Jackson Mitchell UCon 6-2 233 79 Mid 4th
Over 400 career tackles for a very poor team, Solid but unspectacular, he will need to help on Special Teams to stick long term.
7.Tatum Berethun FlaSt 6-1 230 73 Mid 6th
Athletic, decent production. He will need to be a Special Teamer to stick.
8.Easton Gibbs Wyo 6-0 235 72 Late 6th
Great production in a small conference. Will need to excel on Special Teams.
9.Donovan Manuel FIU 6-1 230 69 Late 7th
10.Trez Marshall Ala 6-1 236 68 PFA
11.Bryce Houston Ohio 5-11 237 66 UDFA
12.Daniel Green KanSt 6-3 245 65 UDFA
13.Jackson Sirmon Cal 6-2 245 64 UDFA
14.Tarigue Barnes Ill 6-1 230 62 UDFA
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2024 3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER OVERALL CLASS RATING D+
Not a very deep or elite class, some with wild skill sets but filled unrealized potential at this stage. Still numerous potential fine Special Teamers and role players.
3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER
Players best suited for a set with two inside LB's, very strong as run stoppers but can be a liability against the pass. With many college teams playing 4-2-5 defenses there are more players suited for this position than the traditional MLB.
3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Darius Mauasaw UCLA 6-1 230 87 Late 2nd
UNDERRRATED ALERT!! I feel others are dismissing him due to poor team. 16.5 career sacks,over 400 tackles, 5 Int"s. Nice size and instincts, every game I watched he impacted. In correct scheme he will flourish..
2.Edefuan Ulofosio Wash 6-0 234 84 Mid 3rd
I've been waiting 4 EFFIN YEARS for this 6 year player to realize how good he can be, last season it finally showed, but consistency still an issue. FREAKISH ATHLETE!!
3.Mike Barrett Mich 5-11 233 83 Late 3rd
Rock solid, well coached, always where he should be. Average athlete, a bit undersized but should be a nice addition to any team.
4.Steele Chambers OhSt 6-1 232 82 Early 4th
Former RB still learning the position, another season would have helped. Strong in coverage, offers little in pass ruch, covers the field with ease. Likely Special Teams demon.
5.Junior Colson Mich 6-2 235 81 Mid 4th
OVERRATED ALERT!! I like him teammate better. He kills the measurables but does far less with that ability than he should.
6.Omar Speights LSU 6-0 235 76 Mid 5th
Will have to be a two down player, offers nothing in coverage or pas rush.
7.M Njongmeta Wisc 6-0 240 74 Early 6th
Another two down type,coverage skill terrible.
8.Jacoby Windom MiSt 6-1 235 73 Mid 6th
9.Eli Neal Marsh 6-0 225 73 Mid 6th
10.Bryce Gallager N W 6-2 235 72 Late 6th
This guy may stick in the league 10 years as a B/U LB and core Special Teamer, total effort player, He'll find a coach that loves him.
11. Bo Rictor A F 6-2 240 71 Early 7th
12.M J Tafisi UtSt 6-0 235 70 Mid 7th
One huge season in 6 years, worth a look.
13.Shane Lee USC 6-0 245 69 Late 7th
Former ELITE RECRUIT who never lived up to that hype.
14.Eugene Asante Aub 6-1 220 67 UDFA
Very athletic, had one nice season, 5 sacks last year shows potential, will need Special teams to make a team.
15.Joe Andressen Buf 6-1 232 66 UDFA
Small conference guy who could surprise.
16.Andre White GaTc 6-3 235 64 UDFA
17.Luke Reimer Neb 6-1 225 63 UDFA
18.Ray Golforth Wash 6-1 236 62 UDFA
19.Antonio Greer Ark 6-1 230 60 UDFA
20.Vinny DePalma B C 5-11 232 58 UDFA
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION OUTSIDE LINBACKERS
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15 year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant against run, pass coverage and an elite pass rusher. MUST be a consistent game changer, a defensive play maker, the player the other team MUST scheme against. High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected, 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF disscussion. Must excell at all aspects of the game, run stuffing ,pass coverage and pass rush and be elite at least at one, frequent game changer, must be the player the other team is aware of at all times, team leader, character important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. The player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player dominant as a Run stuffer or in coverage or in Pass rush. Must make some big plays. Very solid and dependable player but team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Possible starter for a year or two then likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, Must occasionally make a game changing play, adequet starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team,, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Mid 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/Mid 7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, The player has basic skill set needed for position, could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career.Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body, could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary.Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
2024 4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER POSITION OVERVIEW/OVERALL RATING C+
One potential elite player and numerous solid bodies in this class with several other likely valuable role players.
4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Strong run defenders with pass coverage ability , pass rush and blitz skills a must. Was once the premier position on the Defense and key to the defensive side of the ball. There is still some of that needed and those with the highest ability in that discipline are the top players here.
4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Edgerin Cooper TxAM 6-2 230 90 Late 1st
Excellent athlete who lacked coaching at CFB level to live up to him vast potential. 8 Sacks last season were an eye opener to his ability. Covers the field with ease, sure tackler, needs some work in coverage but skillset dictates that will not be to troublesome to fix.
2.Cedric Gray NCar 6-2 235 86 Late 2nd
Over 360 tackles in last three seasons, show nice coverage ability and offer some pass ruch potential.He can excel in propper scheme.
3.Jett Johnson MissSt 6-2 230 83 Late 3rd
SLEEPER ALERT!!! I love this kid, every game I watched him he just made plays all over the field. Highly instinctive overachiever who has more heart than raw athleticism but I'll take that. Sure fire Special Teams DEMON!!
4.Curtis Jacobs PennSt 6-2 235 82 Early 4th
Great size, hard hitter who excell against run, but could end up 2 down player, struggles in coverage, offers little in pass rush
5.Trevin Wallace Ky 6-2 241 82 Early 4th
He could be moved inside, atheltism is marginal for the outside but he plays very hard and with an edge. 5.5 sacks show potential.
6.Aaron Casey Ind 6-1 235 81 Mid 4th
Really blew up some boards with 6.5 Sacks this past season but overall game still has holes. solid B/U and special Teamer but I don't expect much more.
7.Jordan Magee Temp 6-3 225 80 Late 4th
OVERRATED ALERT!! Many are much higher on him. Had nice production but against lesser competition, I'm not sold on him being more than a B/U and Special Teamer.
8.Jason Johnson UCF 6-2 224 80 Late 4th
Over 240 tackles the last two seasons, he really covers the field, should excel on Specual Teams.
9.Levelle Bailey FresSt 6-2 220 79 Early 5th
Excellent in coverage so there will be a spot for him on some team.
10.Tyrice Knight UTEP 6-0 235 78 Mid 5th
Could end up inside in a 3-4
11.Marist Liufau NDame 6-2 229 77 Mid 5th
12.Tyron Hopper Mo 6-2 221 77 Mid 5th
Undersized highly athletic borderline SS, nic coverage skills. Offers some sitsuational blitz potential.
13.J D Bertrand NDame 6-1 230 74 Early 6th
14.Kalen DeLoach FlaSt 6-0 221 74 Early 6th
7 Sacks last season have people high on him, very undersized.
15.Dallas Gant Tol 6-3 235 70 Mid 7th
Former Ohio St B/U excelled in the MAC.
16.Kam Arnold BColl 6-0 235 70 Mid 7th
17.Jontrey Hunter GaSt 6-2 240 69 Late 7th
Another "testing warrior" VERY ATHLETIC!! It only occasionally showed on the field.
18.Eric Gentry USC 6-6 215 66 UDFA
19.C J Goetz Wisc 6-3 242 64 UDFA
20.Byron Barnes Bay 6-3 230 62 UDFA
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2024 3-4 OUTSIDE LINBACKER OVERVIEW/OVERALL RATING C
One potentially ELITE player that I'm ALL IN ON!! Then it becomes what are you looking for. Everyone else has specialties and holes, so scheme is everything for success. Unfortunately NFL excess are often to stupid to understand that basic element.
3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Usually larger LB's many were speed DE's in college. Must excel in pass rush and blitz situations, but often not the best run defenders. Many of these players end up as passing down specialists.
3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Payton Wilson NCSt 6-4 242 96 Top 10
INJURY ALERT!!! My big gamble this season. When healthy he has everything you look for but he has some injury history. I see an elite athlete with excellent instincts and production. For his his size and with abilities in all phases of the position he can be a multi-time ALL PRO!!!
2.Javon Soloman Troy 6-3 252 85 Mid 3rd
CFB DE. I rarely like DE's who have to move to OLB but he is an exception. 31.5 Sacks the last 3 seasons, sows wild athletic ability along with prototype measurables he can break through and excell.
3.Richard Jibunor Troy 6-3 233 83 Late 3rd
25 Sacks and 10 turnovers the past 3 seasons, a bit undersized for the position but great athlete with anose for the ball.
4.Jonah Ellis Utah 6-2 247 82 Early 4th
OVERRATED ALERT!! Really blew up with 12 Sacks last season and that has others all giddy about him, one year wonders are risky and case to case,I'm not buying his case
5.Jaylen Harrell Mich 6-4 246 81 Mid 4th
OVERRATED ALERT!! Great measurables but production limited, shows some rush skill.
6.Austin Booker Kan 6-6 245 80 Late 4th
FOOLISH decision to declare, one good season. He needed at least one more year. Tes hee has raw ability but completely unrefined at this point, a gamble here but he'll likely go higher and disappoint. Yet another victim of TERRIBLE ADVICE!
7.Ron Stone WashSt 6-3 245 78 Early 5th
Solid multi-year starter who should be a fine B/U and special; Teamer
8.Jalen Green JMU 6-2 245 76 Late 5th
He was outstanding last season with 15.5 Sacks, nothing before for 3 seasons, did light come on? Scheme? To many question to go higher. But at this spot certainly worth a look.
9.T Morris Brash UCF 6-2 245 74 Early 6th
Explosive CFB DE with 26 career Sacks., worth a good look.
10.Khalid Duke KanSt 6-4 246 72 Late 6th
Has shown flashes.
11.Jordan Strachen SCar 6-5 245 72 Early 7th
One great year, 2020, 5 seasons not great. In fact not even good. Still tools warrant a look.
12.D Ugwoegbu Hou 6-4 250 67 UDFA
13.Mazin Richards NTx 6-3 255 65 UDFA
14.Sun Anderson Gram 6-4 235 61 UDFA