PRESEASON '26 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS, LINEBACKERS

 These rankings are for my preseason top NFL Draftable players. Off course these ratings are subject to change by year end but it will be fun to see what the season  shows us. As in my Draft analysis, I use  my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and  the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by, and failing!! New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players. 

4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

The top two here have Top 10 pick ability and should be solid day one picks regardless, After that the entire group should be drafted.

          CLASS GRADE  A

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht       Wt      Comments       

1.Harold Perkins             LSU      6-0     220     If back from injury he is the clear #1

2.Sonny Styles               OhSt      6-4     235     Still learning the position, that's scary!

3.Wade Woodaz             Clem      6-3    235      Athletic tackle machine, solid in pass defense.

4.Ernest Hausman       Mich       6-1    235      Powerful, quick outstanding against run.

5.Jaylen Sneed            NDame   6-1    232      Showed great improvement last season, look for more from this well coached player 

6.Suntarine Perkins   Miss        6-1    210      Undersized, needs work in coverage, but 10.5 sacks last season!

7.Joshua Joseph         Tenn        6-3    240      Plays DL or LB, shows promise in coverage, athletic, strong vs run.

8.Kip Lewis                     Okla        6-1    226       Show star potential, at times, needs consistency

9.Xavian Sorey               Ark         6-2    231      Blew up last season, there is still more for this guy.

10.Rasheem Biles        Pitt          6-1   220       Quick, smart and still improving, 9PD's and 6 sacks last season.

Others to watch:

Isaiah Glasker BYU,Kyle Lewis Pitt,  Tony Rojas Penn St, Stanquan Clark Louis, CJ Allen Geo, Arion Carter Tenn,  Miles Capers Vand, Keyshaun Elliot AzSt.  

3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Another solid group. Not likely any Top 10 picks here up to 6 have day 1/2 potential with big seasons.

        CLASS GRADE  B+

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht      Wt      Comments        

1.Trey Moore                    Tex      6-2     246      Watch his sack numbers rise this season, year two in system.

2. Trey White                   SDSt    6-2     245      Exploded to 12.5 sacks last season, look for more this season, athletic, smart player.

3.Gabe Jacas                    ILL      6-3     275       Excellent athlete for size. 16 Career sacks, excels in run defense.

4.Kendal Daniels          Okla    6-4     242       Over 230 tackles, 7 sacks and 12 PD's last three seasons, this year will be his best.

5.Eric Gentry                   USC    6-7     225        Long, athletic and has more potential than he knows, does he live up to it?

6.Tre Smith                         Az      6-4    259        He may end up on DL, I think some patience and this would be his best spot. 

7.George Gumbs             Fla      6-3    253       8.5 sacks in part-time duty, watch for a big season.

8.R Mason Thomas      Okla     6-2   249       Needs some work for sure but 9 sacks last season.

9.Dean Miller                    Kan    6-5   240        College DE has all the tools to excel here with some work.

10.Jimmori Robinson  WV     6-4    262        AAC DPOY with 10.5 sacks last season, much more there.

Others to watch:

CJ Hicks OhSt, Jake Golday Cin, Bryan Thomas SCar, Junior Tuhalamaka NDame, Jeremiah Alexander Clem, Teitum  Tuioti Ore, Damon Wilson Mo, Jack Dingle Cin, Levani Damuni Ut, Caleb Bacon IoSt, 

4-3 INSIDE LINEBACKERS

The top 3 here all have day one potential with several more day two possibilities. Loaded with speed and wxpirience, fine group.

          CLASS GRADE   A

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht       Wt      Comments        

1.Anthony Hill                  Tex        6-3    235     Top 10 pick next spring, nuff said

2.Arvel Reese                  OhSt      6-4    238      Came on  strong last half of last season, look for more improvement.

3.Whit Weeks                    LSU      6-2    225       Rock solid in all phases.

4.Jaishawn Barham    Mich      6-3    248       Great size and strength, well coached, excels at run defense.

5.Ben Roberts                TxTch    6-3    235        Beast vs run, need improvement in pass game.

6.Austin Romaine        KanSt    6-2    240        Needs to improve pass rush, solid  at other phases

7.Drayk Bowen             NDme    6-2    238       Excels against run, coverage needs work.

8.Aiden Fisher                 Ind        6-0    233       Over 225 tackles, 10 PD's 3 sacks last two seasons.

9.Cade Uluave                Cal         6-0    235       3 year starter, solid all-around game.

10.Taurean York          TxA&M   6-0    235       Over 150 tackles , 5,5 sacks last two seasons.

Others to watch:  

Kaleb Elams-Orr TCU, Maverick Baranowski Minn, Stephen Dix Ark, Kam Robinson Vir, Dylan Rosiek ILL, Jason Henderson Old Dom, Tre Freeman Dk, Dariel  Djaborne Rut, Mac Ulhlein NWest, Andrew Jones Miss.

3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKERS 

Great year for LB's, this is a solid group as well. Very athletic group, no likely day one picks but at least half this group have day 2 potential.

            CLASS GRADE  B+

Rk     Player                       Sch        Ht       Wt      Comments        

1.Jacob Rodriguez      TxTch     6-1    230       High motor tackle machine, has shown rush potential.  

2.Lander Barton           Utah      6-4     236       Excellent in coverage, strong vs run, has rush potential.

3.Deonte Lawson          Ala        6-2     230       Well coached, experienced , excellent in coverage; shows pass rush flashes.

4.Scooby Williams    TxA&M    6-2     228       Excellent quickness and speed, shows flashes of greatness, needs consistency

5.Keaton Thomas         Bay        6-0    224        Plays sideline to sideline, wildly athletic, needs coverage work, has the tools.

6.Bryce Boettcher       Ore         6-1    225        Well coached at position, athletic, smart, tough solid on all phases.

7.Raylen Wilson            Ga          6-1    235        Has ability to blow up in expanded role this season.

8.Travion Barnes          Bay        6-0    225       Athletic transfer will flourish here as well, 129 tackles last season at FIU.

9.Justin Jefferson       Ala          6-0   225       Athletic, active well coached player, excellent quickness and speed.

10.Caleb Wheatland  Aub         6-1   227      Has shown flashes last few seasons, will flourish in this defense.   

Others to watch:

TJ Dottery Miss, Martavious French Col, Justin Flow UNLV, Devon Jackson Ore, Kyle Efford G T, Andrew Jones Miss, Chase Wilson WVir, Langston Patterson Vand.