2025 Linebackers
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, excels 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 discussion. Must excel 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 excels 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 $$$$
4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER
Traditional inside MLBs 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 prowess 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.
2025 4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:
Not a strong year for this position. The proliferation of hybrid defenses in college ball has left this position in flux for the present time. That said, I like Higgins best here, not the biggest but a nice athlete and very well coached and experienced. Knight is very athletic and has prototype size, Stutsman is tough, solid and has nice size, Schwesinger is a wild athlete but that never was evident on the field with any consistency. King and Buchanan are solid and should help on Special teams. After that, we have roll players who will need to find the special team's coach to keep a job. Dolec is one who could surprise.
4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKERS RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE D
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Jay Higgins Iowa 6-0 224 86 Late 2nd
2.Demetrius Knight SCar 6-2 235 85 Early 3rd
3.Danny Stutzman Okl 6-3 233 84 Mid 3rd
4.C Schwesinger UCLA 6-3 242 83 Late 3rd
5.Kobe King PennSt 6-1 236 81 Early 4th
6.Teddye Buchanan Cal 6-2 236 78 Late 4th
7.Shane Dolec Buff 6-1 225 75 Late 5th
8.Francisco Malaigoa Mia(F) 6-2 233 73 Mid 6th
9.Carson Bruener Wash 6-1 227 70 Mid 7th
10.Jason Henderson ODU 6-1 230 66 PFA
11.KC Ossai ULL 6-1 244 62 UDFA
12.Ben Bywater BYU 6-2 235 60 UDFA
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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.
2025 3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:
Another position lacking in top end talent. The top 3 all could have nice careers, Dumas-Johnson has great size, nice athletic ability and has shown potential to outplay this projection. James is very athletic one who has the versatility to play other spots and Bassa is the best coached and experienced. After that you're looking at special teamers and bench fillers. I will be honest, even when honesty is brutal.
3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE D-
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.J Dumas-Johnson Ky 6-1 238 85 Early 3rd
2.Shemar James Fla 6-1 222 83 Late 3rd
3.Jeffrey Bassa Ore 6-1 232 82 Late 3rd
4.Greg Penn LSU 6-2 234 78 Late 4th
5.Power Echols NCar 5-11 237 75 Late 5th
6.Ruben Hyppolite Md 6-0 240 73 Mid 6th
7.Justin Barron Syra 6-4 226 71 Early 7th
8.David Gbenda Tex 5-11 235 68 Late 7th
9.Bam Martin- Scott SCar 6-2 241 67 PFA
10.Cody Lindenberg Minn 6-2 236 67 PFA
11.Chandler Martin Mem 6-0 230 63 UDFA
12.John Bullock Neb 6-0 230 60 UDFA
13.Aaron Smith SCarSt 6-2 230 58 UDFA
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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 $$$$
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.
2025 4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:
Like the other LB spots above this group is not elite, still better than those. Carter is the clear #1 to me. nice size, fine athlete, plus instincts and a great motor, he should be a plug and play guy. After that I see Kizer as the next, nice size, very well coached, better athlete than most think. After that we get into the "who fits your scheme bet" group. Simon, Paul, Asante and Mondon can fit in other spots and should be special teams' demons where Reid and Jackson are more limited. After that, short term roster fillers and special teamers.
4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE C
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Barrett Carter Clem 6-0 231 90 Late 1st
2.Jack Kizer NDame 6-2 231 87 Mid 2nd
3.Cody Simon OhSt 6-2 229 85 Early 3rd
4.Chris Paul Miss 6-1 222 82 Late 3rd
5.Nick Jackson Iowa 6-0 235 81 Early 4th
6.Karene Reid Utah 6-0 231 77 Early 5th
7.Eugene Asante Aub 6-1 223 76 Mid 5th
8.Smael Mondon Ga 6-2 224 75 Late 5th
9.Nick Martin OkSt 6-0 221 72 Late 6th
10.Khari Coleman Miss 6-1 215 71 Early 7th
11.Jackson Woodard UNLV 6-2 232 70 Mid 7th
12.Colin Oliver OkSt 6-2 240 69 Late 7th
13.Jalin Walker Ind 6-1 218 67 PFA
14.Kain Medrano UCLA 6-3 222 66 PFA
15.Deshawn Pace UCF 6-1 212 64 UDFA
16.Gaethan Bernadel Stan 6-1 227 60 UDFA
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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. Length is nice but not mandatory, disruption is! Many of these players picked in mid/later rounds end up as passing down specialists.
2025 3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:
This position is rather top heavy but is filled with sleepers who in the right scheme could explode. Walker and Campbell have ALL-PRO potential plain and simple! Both have great size, wild athleticism and are well coached, pick one you like, and it's plug and play! Stewart is less polished from playing DE in college, he may be one dimensional at 1st but the upside and ability is there, Walker and Robinson are longer but less consistent rushers, Powell has been playing out of position inside due to need, his length and ability lend themselves to him exceling here, the question is, are any NFL GM's or Coaches smart enough to see that, history says doubtful but I hold out hope. He's a 7th rounder/UDFA to me on the inside. After that I'm seeing 3rd down rush specialists who will need to excel on special teams to have a decent career, Jenkins had 23.5 career sacks, Moore did not produce as hoped last season but still has 27.5 sacks in the past three seasons, Mott showed some promise with 8.5 sacks last season, Harvey has sowed some rush ability, this group includes one-time #1 overall recruit Foreman.
3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE B
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Jaylon Walker Ga 6-1 243 94 Mid 1st
2.Jihaad Campbell Ala 6-3 235 93 Mid 1st
3.Josiah Stewart Mich 6-1 249 84 Mid 3rd
4.Johnny Walker Mo 6-3 246 82 Late 3rd
5.Tyreem Powell Rut 6-5 239 81 Early 4th
6.Que Robinson Ala 6-4 243 80 Mid 4th
7.Kydran Jenkins Pur 6-1 253 78 Late 4th
8.Trey Moore Tex 6-3 242 75 Late 5th
9.Chaz Chambliss Ga 6-2 242 72 Late 6th
10.Jaheim Thomas Wisc 6-4 245 71 Early 7th
11.Brendan Mott KanSt 6-5 244 69 Late 7th
12.Jalen McLeod Aub 6-2 241 68 Late 7th
13.Jahfari Harvey SMU 6-4 252 67 PFA
14.Korey Foreman FresSt 6-4 235 63 UDFA
15.Ty French WVir 6-2 230 60 UDFA
16.Matt Jones Bay 6-3 246 56 UDFA
17.Steve Linton Bay 6-4 242 52 UDFA