Zak Drapeau's Top 10 Linebackers 2025 NFL Draft

A not so strong positional class, these Linebackers are either strong in one area or average in multiple. This class is very top heavy with both Jihaad Campbell and Jalon Walker having incredible upside and being legit First Rounders.

In my evaluations, I have shown the players' archetypes to be the role they will best be suited in or what scheme they are most likely to reach their potential in.

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1. Jihaad Campbell

Alabama 6'3" 235 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 10

Archetype: Off Ball/Pass Rush 3/4 OLB

For my own evaluations, Jihaad Campbell was the biggest defensive riser on my board. An Edge prospect coming out of High School, Campbell showed his character when he transitioned to an off-ball LB to make room for Will Anderson and LT Overton in the Alabama defense. Campbell is the true definition of a versatile LB, with his coverage ability massively improving this past year. Campbell capped off his breakout season by torching the NFL Combine with his speed and jumping ability. Campbell will be a force in the NFL as an off-ball LB and if he has maintained his pass rush repertoire has legitimate potential of being an All-Pro.

Pro Comp: Edgerrin Cooper

Draft Projection: Top-20 Picks

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2. Jalon Walker

Georgia 6'1" 243 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 17

Archetype: Pass Rush 3-4 Will OLB

In my opinion, Jalon Walker will be a great Sam LB in the NFL but his draft stock is a bit overrated. A talented athlete with good pass rush ability, Walker's stock is dependent on being a versatile LB who can drop back in coverage as well and that talent is still a while away for Walker. A small frame for a pure pass rusher, Walker missed a bunch of tackles last year while also allowing a 125.3 passer rating when targeted. I'm not trying to drag this man down, he is completely worth a 1st round pick for his pass rush upside but if any team is looking for a versatile LB, there are better options down the board.

Pro Comp: Nolan Smith

Draft Projection: Top-20 Picks

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3. Carson Schwesinger

UCLA 6'2" 242 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 45

Archetype: Run Stopping Mike LB

Schwesinger is a prototype NFL Mike Linebacker with good to great ability across the board. The captain of the UCLA defense, Schwesinger can stop the run, cover most non-X receivers and was capable in pass rush. Schwesinger only played one meaningful year at UCLA so his sample size means his transition to the pros will take some time; maybe a year as a rotational LB or even on the bench. In that time, Schwesinger should also gain some muscle as he plays much smaller than the 242 pounds he weighed in at at the NFL Combine. Schwesinger can easily become a high-potential starting MLB in the NFL but shouldn't be pressured to do so out of the gate.

Pro Comp: Logan Wilson

Draft Projection: Round 2

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4. Demetrious Knight II

South Carolina 6'2" 235 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 52

Archetype: Run Stopping Sam LB

Demetrious Knight was the center of a South Carolina defense full of great athletes we'll see in the draft. In his second year starting, Knight improved a small tackling issue which isn't uncommon for a 235-pound LB. His pass coverage grade also saw a giant leap up while even expanding his role by lining up in the slot more and more often. Not quite athletic enough to play Nickel or Safety in the NFL, Knight will be a solid LB2 on a team from Day 1 with great upside of being a Mike in a few years.

Pro Comp: Bobby Okereke

Draft Projection: Round 2-3

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5. Jeffrey Bassa

Oregon 6'1" 232 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 75

Archetype: Pass Coverage Will LB

Bassa is one of the more undersized LBs in the class but his speed and hip fluidity give him great pass coverage potential. Bassa has real potential as a Nickel in the NFL or as a Will LB with great dropback. Bassa's journey in the NFL will be reliant on his ability to master a specific role, either a box LB or a nickel/safety hybrid. A large part of the transition to one or the other will be his body type; by either gaining mass and muscle or thinning down and improving his agility. The thing that makes Bassa so tempting to draft is his potential at either because of his rare size and athleticism.

Pro Comp: Deone Buchanon

Draft Projection: Round 2-4

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6. Chris Paul Jr.

Ole Miss 6'0" 222 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 84

Archetype: Run Stopping Will LB

No relation to the basketball player, Chris Paul Jr. is a fearless tackler but undersized for the position. A size more built for a large safety, Paul's skillset is better suited for a Will and so is his mentality. If Paul was an inch or two taller and 15 pounds heavier he would be a Top-40 prospect thanks to his downhill ability. A better pass rusher than his stats would show, Paul's IQ in play recognition and knowledge of which gap to hit, Paul Jr. has real potential in the NFL but will need to add some mass.

Pro Comp: Zaire Franklin

Draft Projection: Round 3-4

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7. Barrett Carter

Clemson 6'0" 230 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 97

Archetype: Run Stopping Sam LB

Carter is a 3-year starter for Clemson and the defensive captain. A bulky run defender with a lot of experience, Carter is a medium floor medium-ceiling guy who is best when not having coverage responsibilities. Carter's old-school tough tackling and locker room leadership will allow him to be a part of any NFL team for a long time but his shortcomings in pass coverage will limit his potential if not in a scheme-friendly defense. Nonetheless, if paired with a new-age smaller LB to contrast his run defense style, Carter can be a force from inside the box.

Pro Comp: Christian Harris

Draft Projection: Day 3

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8. Jack Kiser

Notre Dame 6'2" 231 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 105

Archetype: Run Stopping Mike LB

Kiser will be turning 25 at the start of next season and after 6 seasons at Notre Dame, 4 years starting and Team Captain, his maturity and experience make him at the very least a locker room presence. With good size and one of the lowest missed tackle rates in the nation, Kiser's too old now to claim he has massive potential, but his floor as a run stopper and leader is good enough to carve a role as a rotational and sometimes starting Mike in the league. His athleticism will stop him from ever being a Pro Bowler or consistent pass coverage LB.

Pro Comp: Tommy Eichenberg

Draft Projection: Day 3

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9. Cody Simon

Ohio State 6'2" 229 lbs.

Big Board Rank: 120

Archetype:

A high-potential, low floor guy, Simon's athleticism and size are perfect for the modern Will LB but his 1 year of starting hasn't given pro scouts much tape to work with. In 5 years at Ohio State, Simon was nothing more than a rotational LB until this year where he became a Nagurski contender. His projection as an edge rusher is limited at only 230 pounds but with great hands and athleticism isn't nothing. With good instincts in pass coverage and elite instincts against the run, Simon could be a Pro Bowl level LB in the league but time will tell if he can handle a full NFL workload and rise above the pressure of NFL competition.

Pro Comp: Blake Martinez

Draft Projection: Day 3

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10. Danny Stutsman

Oklahoma 6'3" 233 lbs.

Big Board Rank: <125

Archetype: Run Stopping Sam LB

A tall, run stuffing 3-year starter at Oklahoma, Stutsman has ideal size for a downhill run stuffer. His shortcomings in pass coverage will keep him lower on draft boards and on the bench early in his career. After a third year of steady progression, Stutsman is a guy who is good at what he's good at and not at what he's not. He will need to be in the right scheme with a patient coach and will need to continue his progression to be consistent enough to see the fields which will not include 3rd downs any time soon. Still, his tackling and mentality will make him a pleasure to have and worth a 4th or maybe 3rd round pick.

Pro Comp: Chad Muma

Draft Projection: Day 3

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