Top 10 Pre-Draft Rookie LB Rankings
Mike Woellert ranks the best LB prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
I didn’t know what to expect from this group of linebacker prospects, but after diving into the tape, stats, and testing data, I’m happy to report that this is a fun group! They’re athletic (eight prospects scored an 8 RAS or better), take advantage of their opportunities, and have some talented pass rushers in the bunch.
When I rank LBs, I prioritize players with high tackle rates and production. New this year, I’m also showing favor to guys who wore the dot because it shows an ability to communicate the play, yell out pre-snap adjustments, and put players into position.
Like the past few years, it might take a few seasons for these LBs to get on the field, but a good landing spot and draft capital can always change the equation.
Without further ado, let’s get into the rankings!
1. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Height: 6024
Weight: 242 lbs
Arms: 31 5/8”
Wingspan: 7748
Vertical: 39.5”
Initially a reserve and special teams contributor, Carson Schwesinger earned a scholarship before his redshirt sophomore year in 2022. After limited defensive snaps in his first three seasons (27 total tackles), Schwesinger burst onto the scene in 2024 as a first-year starter, becoming one of college football’s top linebackers. Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024, he’s now viewed as a rising star with significant upside.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 806
2024 Stats
Snaps: 705
Tackles: 136 (19.3% tackle rate)
Sacks: 4
TFLs: 9
INTs: 2
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Schwesinger led the Big 10 in tackles and his near 2:1 solo-to-assist ratio tells me he’s consistently getting to the ball first. He’s an efficient tackler, and given his tackle volume, he had just a 7.6% missed tackle rate. He was an effective blitzer, earning an 88.5 PFF pass rush grade.
Strengths
Athleticism and Range: Schwesinger is a fluid, incendiary athlete with exceptional sideline-to-sideline speed. His ability to cover ground quickly makes him a threat in pursuit and a standout in open-field tackling.
Coverage Skills: Schwesinger has fluid hips and a smooth transition. He excels in zone and man coverage, effectively shadowing running backs and tight ends.
Instincts Against the Run: Despite limited starting experience, Schwesinger displays sharp play recognition. He patiently reads plays and mirrors ball carriers. He meets runners in the hole.
Special Teams Value: A proven contributor on special teams early in his career, he brings immediate impact potential in the kicking game while refining his defensive skills.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Play Strength: He can get washed out of plays when engaged directly. He’s just about at the ideal playing weight for an off-ball LB.
Block Disengagement: Lacks a refined move to escape blocks consistently, often relying on speed and angles.
Discipline: Occasionally bites on misdirection or overruns plays due to his aggressive trigger.
Experience: Just a one-year starter and 806 total snaps. His sample size is limited. He’ll face a steep jump in competition speed and complexity at the NFL level.
Schwesinger profiles best as a weakside linebacker (WILL) in a 4-3 scheme, where his athleticism and range can shine in space without requiring him to take on blocks consistently. Maybe a Tampa-2/Cover-3 scheme.
Like The Dude looking for Bunny Lebowski, new information came to light. Schwesinger’s Iowa tape put him over the edge as the top LB. There were a few plays he made that I don’t see Jay Higgins making. He’s a high-upside linebacker whose breakout 2024 season showcased his blend of athleticism, instincts, and versatility. He’s my LB1 of the class and I’m hoping for a solid landing spot.
2. Jay Higgins, Iowa
Height: 6001
Weight: 224 lbs
Arms: 3100
Wingspan: 7500
Vertical: 33”
Broad: 9’2”
40yd: 4.82
10yd split: 1.64
Three-Cone: 7.01
Jay Higgins joined a Hawkeye program renowned for producing NFL-caliber linebackers. He broke out as a starter in 2023, leading the nation with 171 tackles. Higgins returned for his fifth year in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as one of college football’s top defenders.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,010
2024 Stats
Snaps: 758
Tackles: 124 (16.4% tackle rate)
Sacks: 1
TFLs: 3
INTs: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 5
He was a tackle machine over two full-time seasons at Iowa and was a menace around the LOS with 9 TFLs. Higgins was the only player from a major conference in 2024 with 100+ tackles and 4+ interceptions.
Strengths
Tackler: Higgins is a relentless, high-volume tackler with a low missed-tackle rate (9.1%), evidenced by his 289 tackles over the past two seasons. Consistently wraps up.
Football IQ: A natural field general, Higgins quarterbacked Iowa’s elite defense and wore the dot. He has tremendous pre-snap recognition and play diagnosis. His instincts shine against the run and in zone coverage.
Coverage Ability: Rare for a linebacker, Higgins boasts plus coverage skills, as PFF credited him with a 91.5 coverage grade. He excels in shallow zones and mirrors running backs effectively.
Special Teams Value: With over 500 career special teams snaps across multiple units, he’s an immediate asset in the NFL’s third phase.
Leadership: A four-time captain (high school and college), Higgins embodies toughness and professionalism, earning Iowa’s 2023 “Golden Gavel” for media savvy.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Athletic Limitations: Higgins lacks elite lateral agility and burst, which hampers him in man coverage against quicker NFL pass-catchers like tight ends and slot receivers. His 40-yard dash won’t turn heads, but he wasn’t speedy on tape.
Size Concerns: At 6’2” and 232 pounds with short arms, Higgins struggles to stack and shed blocks from climbing linemen
Scheme Fit: His average athleticism and range suggest he’s best suited for a 4-3 weakside linebacker role in a zone-heavy scheme.
Over-pursuit: His eagerness to trigger downhill can lead to false steps or overrunning plays, exposing gaps against misdirection or option runs.
There's a compelling paradox to Higgins' game: what he lacks in raw athleticism, he more than compensates for with physicality and diagnostic skills that let him play as if he has the athletic tools of a first-rounder.
I think Higgins projects as a high-floor, mid-round prospect (Rounds 4-5) in the draft. While he doesn’t possess the elite physical traits of a Day 1 pick, his production, intangibles, and special teams experience make him a safe bet to stick on an NFL roster.
His 40-time didn’t improve his draft projections, and many will look at the 3.61 RAS score and pass. But the guy can play football and the production, tape, and PFF grades confirm it for me. He made up some ground with solid performances in the agility drills.
He’s tailor-made for a 4-3 defense that can protect him with a strong front four, allowing his instincts and tackling to shine.
He reminds me of Josey Jewell: a smart productive LB who uses his smarts to make plays. Higgins is my LB2 in rookie drafts and is still one of “my guys.”
3. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Height: 6027
Weight: 235 lbs
Arms: 32 1/2”
Wingspan: 8000
Broad: 10’7”
40yd: 4.52
10yd split: 1.53
Jihaad Campbell’s college career began with a limited role as a true freshman in 2022, where he primarily contributed on special teams. Campbell saw just 12 defensive snaps. In 2023, as a sophomore, he appeared in 13 games (starting 8). His breakout year came in 2024 as a junior where he earned First-Team All-SEC honors and Second-Team All-American recognition from multiple outlets.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,325
2024 Stats
Snaps: 735
Tackles: 117 (15.9% tackle rate)
Sacks: 5
TFLs: 12
INTs: 1
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 2
Campbell adjusted to the SEC rather quickly. He recorded a 12.4% tackle rate and 12 pressures over 532 defensive snaps. His breakout 2024 season was where he put it all together. He showed his prowess as a pass-rushing off-ball LB, generating a 20.2% pressure rate and recording 5 sacks.
Strengths
Athleticism and Speed: Campbell’s 4.52-second 40-yard dash and 10’7” broad jump at the Combine highlight his elite explosiveness and range, making him a sideline-to-sideline threat. His tape definitely translated to the Combine.
Versatility: Played multiple roles at Alabama. His ability to blitz, cover, and stop the run adds flexibility to any defensive scheme.
Tackling Efficiency: He has a career 7.3% missed tackle rate. He’s a sure tackler and finishes off the ball carrier.
Coverage Skills: Campbell is above average in zone coverage with good eye discipline, reading quarterbacks effectively to close passing windows. He received an 80.1 coverage grade from PFF and was among the top 20 off-ball LBs.
Physical Tools: At 6’3” and 244 with long arms, Campbell has the prototypical frame for an off-ball LB. His length aids in shedding blocks and expanding his tackle radius.
High Motor: Relentless in pursuit and brings leadership intangibles, earning praise for his work ethic and team-first mentality.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Run Defense Discipline: Can be overaggressive, leading to poor run fits and finding himself susceptible to misdirections. He’s inconsistent at maintaining gap integrity at times.
Block Shedding: While his length helps, Campbell’s stack-and-shed technique is still developing. He can get stuck on blocks.
Pass Rush Polish: While he’s effective as a blitzer with speed and bend, he lacks a pass-rush plan. He relies on athleticism rather than technique.
Zone Awareness: While effective in zone, he’ll occasionally abandon his area too early when quarterbacks scramble, which leaves openings. He’s still refining those instincts.
Experience: He has just 1,313 snaps as a full-time player. He excelled in 2024, so the tape shows there’s talent.
Campbell projects as a three-down linebacker with the makeup and potential to become a defensive centerpiece in the right system.
While he needs polish in run fits and pass-rush technique, Campbell’s rare athletic profile, youth, and production make him a high-upside prospect. He’s a strong candidate to be the first true off-ball linebacker off the board in 2025.
His Combine performance certainly solidified that. His draft capital could put him on the field immediately and he should be one of the first three LBs off the board in rookie drafts. He’s in the conversation as the LB1 in rookie drafts.
4. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
Height: 6015
Weight: 235 lbs
Arms: 32 5/8”
Wingspan: 8048
Vertical: 31.5”
Broad: 9’10”
40yd: 4.58
10yd split: 1.58
Three-Cone: 7.12
Demetrius Knight Jr. has taken a unique path to the 2025 NFL Draft. A former dual-threat quarterback from Strong Rock Christian School in Georgia, Knight became the program’s first Division I signee when he committed to Georgia Tech in 2019.
He made the move to linebacker in college, where he spent four seasons with the Yellow Jackets, playing a limited role (270 snaps, 51 tackles) before transferring to Charlotte in 2023. At Charlotte, he broke out with 96 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and First-Team All-AAC honors. In 2024, Knight transferred to South Carolina, where he emerged as a defensive leader, earning team captain honors and accolades such as the Rex Enright Team Captain Award, Most Outstanding Senior, and Joe Morrison MVP Defense Award.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,461
2024 Stats
Snaps: 526
Tackles: 82 (15.6% tackle rate)
Sacks: 2
TFLs: 8
INTs: 1
Forced Fumbles: 3
Pass Deflections: 1
His final collegiate season showcased his growth: 82 tackles (57 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Also, his 4.58 speed was on display against Alabama—I mean, just watch the sack on Jalen Milroe below.
Strengths
Athleticism and Range: Knight boasts sideline-to-sideline speed and a burst with long strides. His closing speed makes him a threat in pursuit and as a blitzer. (I mean, that sack on Jalen Milroe.)
Instincts and Football IQ: A former quarterback, Knight’s pre-snap reads and play recognition stand out. He diagnoses run plays quickly and mirrors running backs effectively.
Physicality: With a thick, powerful frame and 33-inch arms, he jolts blockers, sheds effectively, and brings a punishing tackling style.
Versatility: I think he can play in any scheme and is comfortable in short zone coverage.
Leadership: A 2024 team captain at South Carolina, Knight’s maturity and work ethic resonate with scouts looking for a high-character guy.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Age: Turning 25 in July 2025, Knight will be 26 by the end of his rookie season, older than most prospects. This may limit his long-term upside and push him down some draft boards.
Lateral Agility: While athletic for his size, Knight exhibits some hip tightness and limited fluidity, restricting his range in man coverage against quicker tight ends or running backs. His short-area twitch is just average.
Coverage Skills: Instincts in zone coverage are solid, but he can be manipulated by savvy quarterbacks due to inconsistent eye discipline. Might not have enough speed for man.
Knight reminds me a bit of Devin Lloyd with his downhill style and coverage instincts. He’s a gap disruptor and that was on display on his tape against Alabama and Missouri. Knight uses his length well to get through traffic and is a hustle player. The fact he’s a six-year player shouldn’t be a factor, it’s his age that could be, as he’ll be 26 at the end of his first year.
I think his Combine pushes him into a potential Day 2 pick. I think there’s more than enough to like here, and he’s just out of the top 3 and he’s at the top of tier 2.
5. Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 223 lbs
Vertical: 35’5”
Broad: 10’8”
40yd: 4.55 seconds
10yd Split: 1.58 seconds
3-Cone: 6.9 seconds
Shaun Dolac emerged as a standout linebacker for the Buffalo Bulls, transitioning from a walk-on to a First-Team AP All-American in 2024. A local product from West Seneca East High School, Dolac initially excelled as both a running back and linebacker, earning Buffalo News Player of the Year honors. This past season, he earned MAC Defensive Player of the Year and set a Buffalo single-season tackle record.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,268
2024 Stats
Snaps: 867
Tackles: 169 (19.5% tackle rate)
Sacks: 6.5
TFLs: 19
INTs: 5
Forced Fumbles: 0
Pass Deflections: 5
Injuries limited him to just 4 games in 2023, but he was averaging 8 tackles/game and had 3 TFLs plus an INT. He was a tackle machine in 2024 and was all over the field and in the opposing offense’s backfield. He had sneaky speed and it translated to his Pro Day.
Strengths
Tackling Machine: Dolac’s 168 tackles in 2024 highlight his elite ability to locate and finish plays. His technique is sound, he rarely misses tackles, and has a knack for wrapping up ball carriers through contact.
Instincts and Football IQ: Displays exceptional play recognition, quickly diagnosing run fits and reacting to developing plays.
Versatility: Contributes in multiple facets—6 career interceptions and 5 pass breakups in 2024 highlight his coverage skills, while 12 sacks demonstrate his blitzing capability.
Work Ethic: A classic overachiever, Dolac’s journey from walk-on to All-American reflects his dedication and competitive drive. Dolac was snubbed from the Scouting Combine and had a big Pro Day, which might have elevated his draft stock.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Size: At 6’1” and 225 pounds, Dolac is undersized for an NFL linebacker, potentially struggling against larger offensive linemen in the run game. He might need to bulk up a bit.
Lateral Quickness: Some evaluators note limitations in side-to-side movement. He uses good angles to make up for quickness.
Level of Competition: Playing in the MAC, Dolac faced fewer elite opponents compared to Power 4 prospects. The MAC, however, isn’t as weak as it used to be.
These metrics dispel earlier concerns about his athleticism, with a sub-4.6 forty and top-tier agility drills suggesting he can hang with NFL talent. Teams projecting him at a 4.9 40 might need to reconsider.
Dolac’s profile screams “spunky underdog” and he is quickly becoming a “my guy.” His Pro Day performance likely shifts him from a projected undrafted free agent to a late-round selection, though his size and conference pedigree may still cap his ceiling. When watching the tape, you can see he can play football.
While not a plug-and-play starter, his tackle production, versatility, and newfound athletic measurables suggest he’ll stick on an NFL roster. For a team willing to invest in his development. He gives me Terrel Bernard vibes—high production, average size, and athleticism. I’d target him between the 3rd and 4th rounds of rookie drafts.
6. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Height: 6032
Weight: 233 lbs
Arms: 3218
Wingspan: 7748
Vertical: 34”
40yd: 4.52
10yd split: 1.55
Danny Stutsman emerged as one of college football’s premier linebackers during his four-year tenure with the Oklahoma Sooners, evolving from a three-star recruit into a two-time All-American and the emotional heartbeat of OU’s defense. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2023 and First-Team All-SEC in 2024 during Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC, and was a 2024 Butkus Award finalist and consensus All-American.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,564
2024 Stats
Snaps: 709
Tackles: 109 (15.4% tackle rate)
Sacks: 1
TFLs: 8
INTs: 0
Forced Fumbles: 0
Pass Deflections: 0
Stutsman can stand up to the rigors of the game, as shown by his 2,500+ career snaps. He was a tackling machine with 376 career stops and was a menace around the LOS with 37 TFLs. He’s not a big play generator but produces impact tackles.
Strengths
Run Defense: Elite instincts and aggression and takes good angles to the ball. He makes physical tackles and finishes off the runners.
Physicality: Plays with a ferocious edge, delivering punishing hits and thriving in the box against downhill runs.
Leadership: Vocal leader and culture-setter, as shown by his $50,000 NIL donation to OU walk-ons. His on-field intensity elevates teammates.
Size and Frame: Prototypical NFL linebacker build at 6’4” and 241 pounds. He’s got room to add mass for better anchoring.
Blitzing Ability: Quick trigger and explosive burst, is effective when unleashed through gaps. 60 career pressures.
Durability: Played 47 games (2,500+ snaps), battling through injuries to remain a consistent presence.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Coverage Limitations: Lacks fluidity and loose hips for man coverage and struggles to mirror agile backs and tight ends. His eye discipline needs refinement to tighten windows. He’s better suited for underneath zones than deep drops.
Block Shedding: Relies on speed and swim moves rather than power; can get engulfed by linemen climbing to the second level.
Over-Aggression: Relentless pursuit occasionally leads to overrunning plays or losing gap discipline.
Twitch: Limited suddenness in redirection, hindering his ability to finish plays in open space against elusive runners.
Stutsman projects as a solid off-ball LB in schemes that prioritize run defense and allow him to attack downhill, and a zone-heavy scheme that limits his man-coverage exposure, leveraging his instincts and blitzing ability.
I think he’ll contribute immediately on special teams and as an early-down run-stopper, with the potential to grow into a three-down role if his coverage skills improve.
While I don’t think he’ll be a true three-down LB, I could see him being a solid LB2 who sees 85% of the snaps. I’m probably going to go back and forth between Stutsman and Cody Simon as LB5/6, but Stutsman’s athleticism gives him the bump. I think he’s a decent 4th round rookie pick.
7. Cody Simon, Ohio State
Height: 6017
Weight: 229 lbs
Arms: 31 1/4”
Wingspan: 7568
Over five seasons with the Buckeyes, Cody Simon evolved from a special teams contributor into a reliable starter and defensive leader, culminating in a standout 2024 campaign that included a Rose Bowl Defensive MVP performance. While not the flashiest name among Ohio State’s star-studded roster, Simon’s consistency, football IQ, and clutch playmaking have elevated his stock heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,861
2024 Stats
Snaps: 597
Tackles: 112 (18.8% tackle rate)
Sacks: 7
TFLs: 13
INTs: 0
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pass Deflections: 7
Simon enjoyed a breakout 2024 season and produced an 18.8% while becoming a pass-rush threat at off-ball LB. He saw a career-high 87 pass-rush snaps and generated a 23% pressure rate. I think defensive coordinators are going to love his versatility.
Strengths
Football Smarts: Diagnoses plays quickly, excels at pre-snap reads, and communicates effectively with teammates. A true field general.
Run Defense: Attacks downhill with aggression. I do believe his 11.5% missed tackle rate was an outlier.
Pass Rush: Showcases a knack for blitzing, with 7 sacks in 2024 highlighting his ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Athleticism: Quick off the snap, agile in short areas, and accelerates to top speed efficiently.
Big-Game Performer: Elevates his play in big games. He recorded 38 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks across four CFP games.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Coverage Skills: Decent in zone but lacks elite fluidity and change-of-direction ability.
Lateral Movement: Not as effective when forced to redirect quickly in space.
Block Shedding: Relies more on physical tools than refined technique, occasionally struggling to disengage from blockers.
Ceiling: Lacks the elite traits (speed, size, or explosiveness) of top-tier linebacker prospects, projecting as a role-specific player.
Simon’s skill set aligns best with a 4-3 defense that emphasizes zone coverage and allows him to play to his strengths: attacking the run and blitzing on passing downs. He’s not a three-down linebacker out of the gate but could develop into one with coaching focused on coverage consistency and block-shedding technique.
He’s a Day 3 pick and should be drafted in the 4th/5th. I think he has the makeup to be a starter eventually. I’m comfortable with him as my LB7 in this season’s class.
8. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Height: 6007
Weight: 222 lbs
Arms: 29 7/8”
Wingspan: 7538
Vertical: 36”
Broad: 9’9”
40yd: 4.63
10yd split: 1.62
Chris Paul Jr., nicknamed “Pooh,” emerged as a standout linebacker after transferring to Ole Miss from Arkansas ahead of the 2024 season. A native of Cordele, Georgia, Paul was a two-way star at Crisp County High School, excelling as both a linebacker and running back. As a three-star recruit, he committed to Arkansas, where he spent three seasons (2021-2023), redshirting in 2021 before earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022.
His stellar lone season in Oxford earned him First-Team All-America honors from USA Today, Second-Team All-SEC recognition, and a spot as a Butkus Award finalist.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,579
2024 Stats
Snaps: 621
Tackles: 88 (14.2% tackle rate)
Sacks: 3.5
TFLs: 11
INTs: 1
Forced Fumbles: 0
Pass Deflections: 4
His production really stood out in 2024, especially for someone his size and the conference he plays in. He was disruptor at the LOS with double-digit TFLs and in passing lanes. I think what I was most impressed with was the missed tackle rate-4.5% (4 total missed tackles).
Strengths
Violent Tackler: I love his aggressiveness. He’s not letting you go until he throws you down. He plays with bad intentions (in a good way) and displays a high motor that Michael Myers would be jealous of.
Athleticism and Range: Paul possesses excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and pursuit ability. He covers ground quickly thanks to his instincts.
Tackling Reliability: With 88 tackles in 2024 and a career total exceeding 200, Paul is a sure tackler who delivers with force. He uses good leverage and technique to bring down ball carriers consistently. Paul has a career 8.1% missed tackle rate.
Versatility: Ole Miss deployed him across the second level—inside, outside, and even in the slot—showcasing his ability to adapt to multiple roles. He also flashes upside as a blitzer, generating 3.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 10 hurries.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Size and Block Shedding: At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Paul is slightly undersized for a traditional linebacker. He struggles to stack and shed blocks from offensive linemen, particularly in tight quarters, due to limited upper-body strength and extension ability.
Processing Consistency: While improved in 2024, Paul’s eye discipline and awareness can falter, leading him to vacate his gap or get sucked out of position by misdirection plays. Patient backs can exploit his eagerness.
Coverage: Need to focus on not biting for RPOs/play-action. Gets caught out of position because he bites.
Paul’s 2024 tape with Ole Miss is a highlight reel of athleticism and playmaking. Against Georgia, he notched 9 tackles and a QB hurry, showing his ability to hang with elite competition. His Florida tape showed some of his deficiencies in coverage.
Paul is a smaller, high-energy linebacker with excellent pursuit and coverage ability but limited power against the run and might need to be kept clean by a solid defensive line. He reminds me a bit of David Long.
I think he makes for a solid 4th/5th round pick in rookie drafts if you’re looking to stock your LB cupboard.
9. Jackson Woodard, UNLV
Height: 6020
Weight: 234 lbs
Arm: 31”
Vertical: 36”
Jackson Woodard enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a high-motor, high-IQ linebacker who transformed into a defensive cornerstone for the UNLV Rebels after transferring from Arkansas. A former unranked recruit who walked on at Arkansas, Woodard’s breakout came in Las Vegas, where he earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. He was a two-time team captain and 2024 William Campbell Trophy finalist (for academic, athletic, and leadership excellence).
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,848
2024 Stats
Snaps: 784
Tackles: 135 (17.2% tackle rate)
Sacks: 3.5
TFLs: 17
INTs: 4
Forced Fumbles: 0
Pass Deflections: 12
Another off-ball LB with plenty of experience. Over two seasons at UNLV (2023–2024), he amassed 250 tackles, 26 TFLs, 6 sacks, 5 INTs, and 11 defended passes across 28 games. He’s just an all-around producer.
Strengths
Football Intelligence: Woodard’s standout trait is his cerebral approach. He diagnoses plays quickly, reads offensive tendencies, and positions himself effectively in both run and pass defense. His film shows a knack for anticipating gaps and routes, reflected in his 5 career interceptions.
Tackling Machine: With 250 tackles in two UNLV seasons (114 in 2023, 136 in 2024), Woodard is a sideline-to-sideline force. He’s decisive downhill, wrapping up ball carriers with consistency.
Run Game Disruption: His 26 TFLs highlight his ability to shoot gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield. He has a quick first step, an aggressive mindset, and does well even if he doesn’t have an elite burst.
Leadership & Character: A two-time captain, Woodard’s work ethic and vocal presence galvanized UNLV’s defense. NFL teams raved about his combine interviews.
Versatility: While primarily an inside linebacker, Woodard’s experience dropping into zone coverage and occasional blitzing (6 sacks) suggest he can handle multiple roles.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Athletic Ceiling: Woodard’s athleticism is solid but not elite. His lateral agility doesn’t match top-tier NFL linebackers. His smarts allow him to make plays.
Block Shedding: At 235 pounds, Woodard can struggle to disengage from bigger offensive linemen. He relies more on timing and angles than raw power, which may expose him against NFL-level blockers in the box. There were a few instances of him having issues with Ashton Jeanty (though, everyone did).
Man Coverage Limits: While competent in zone, Woodard’s man-to-man skills against tight ends or speedy backs are underdeveloped. His hips and change-of-direction speed are average.
I look at Woodard as a throwback off-ball LB. He reminds me a bit of KJ Wright and Thomas Davis. He’s just a hard-nosed, smart, productive player.
His immediate impact will likely come on special teams, where his hustle and tackling translate seamlessly, while he develops into a rotational defender. With coaching to refine his technique against blocks and in coverage, Woodard could grow into a reliable backup or low-end starter, particularly in run-heavy defensive packages.
He’s probably looking like a Day 3 pick, but I’m a fan of his profile and have no problem taking him in the late rounds of rookie drafts as a taxi stash.
10. Teddye Buchanan, California
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 224 lbs
Arms: 31 3/4”
Wingspan: 8018
Broad: 10’5”
40yd: 4.6
10yd split: 1.61
Teddye Buchanan committed to UC Davis over offers from Sac State, San Diego, Colorado State, and San Jose State, and he made an immediate impact at the FCS level. After four standout seasons with the Aggies, Buchanan transferred to Cal in 2024, wanting to play against Power 5 competition. I think his lone season with the Golden Bears solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors in a conference known for its defensive talent.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,458
2024 Stats
Snaps: 850
Tackles: 114 (13.4% tackle rate)
Sacks: 5
TFLs: 12
INTs: 0
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 4
Buchanan was very productive at Cal against ACC talent. In his first season, he recorded over 100 tackles and recorded 5 sacks. He plays with an aggressive nature and it definitely came through on tape. He took advantage of his 97 pass-rush snaps, as he generated a 25.8% pressure rate.
Strengths
Football IQ and Instincts: Buchanan’s tape reveals a player with exceptional processing speed and awareness. He consistently diagnoses plays quickly, allowing him to position himself effectively against both the run and pass.
Tackling Reliability: A fundamentally sound tackler, Buchanan rarely misses opportunities to bring down ball carriers, even in traffic. He had just a 9.2% missed tackle rate.
Versatility: Experience at both FCS and FBS levels, combined with his high school background as a quarterback and linebacker, gives him a unique perspective. He’s comfortable dropping into coverage or blitzing.
Athleticism: His Combine performance demonstrated explosive lower-body power and upper-body strength, rare for a linebacker of his size. His 9.57 RAS highlights his athleticism.
Special Teams Potential: Buchanan’s speed, intensity, and tackling ability make him an immediate asset on special teams.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Athletic Ceiling: While his Combine numbers are impressive, Buchanan’s 4.60 40-yard dash and shorter arm length (31 3/8”) suggest he may lack the elite speed and reach to consistently match top-tier NFL athletes. His pursuit angles seem to get him in position, as opposed to his quickness.
Pass Coverage Limitations: Though competent in zone coverage, Buchanan struggles at times with man-to-man assignments against quicker tight ends or slot receivers. His hip fluidity is adequate but not exceptional.
Experience Against Elite Competition: Only one year at the Power 5 level could raise questions about his ability to adjust to the NFL’s speed and physicality, despite a strong 2024 season.
Buchanan is getting compared to Fred Warner, and while those might be lofty expectations, they have nearly identical measurables. I think he also reminds me of a more productive Matt Milano.
Buchanan wore the dot at Cal and projects as a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect best suited for a backup role with special teams upside to start out. Teams employing heavy zone schemes could maximize his instincts and tackling in sub-packages and he could round out into a starter. His tangibles could get him on the field.
Teams seeking linebacker depth and special teams contributors will value his reliability and motor. For a player who once flew under the radar, Buchanan’s growth has him poised to hear his name called on draft day. I think he makes a solid taxi stash.
Just Missed the Top 10 (Still Draftable)
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
Height: 6022
Weight: 224 lbs
Arms: 31 3/4”
Wingspan: 8018
Broad: 10’10”
40yd: 4.58
10yd split: 1.52
Smael Mondon Jr. enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a highly athletic linebacker with a decorated resume from Georgia, where he played a pivotal role in two national championship runs (2021, 2022). A former five-star recruit from Paulding County High School, Mondon emerged as a leader for the Bulldogs, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2023.
Mondon was limited to 10 games in 2024. He suffered the injury against Alabama and returned against ‘Ole Miss. Mondon showed up during the SEC title game and Georgia’s two CFP games, recording 15 tackles and a sack.
Mondon’s elite movement skills stand out and I think he shows great range and closing speed. He’s a sideline-to-sideline chaser. He’s fluid enough to cover tight ends with good eye discipline. He’s an above-average defender in zone and he rarely missed tackles, as he has just an 8.9% missed tackle rate. He’s coming off a career-best 6.8%.
Mondon’s lighter frame and average play strength limit his ability to stack and shed blocks against NFL-caliber linemen. He can get sealed off or knocked out of gaps. Mondon’s lower-body injuries, including a significant foot issue in 2024 and an ankle problem in 2022, cost him six total games over three seasons. His frame might be maxed out, as well.
Mondon improved his draft stock with a solid Senior Bowl (80.5 grade) and his 40-yard didn’t hurt either. He has the make-up of a weak-side LB and will probably play more on the right side of the defense to keep away from extra blockers or tight ends.
He’s an immediate special teams asset with the potential to develop into a three-down player if he improves his run defense and stays healthy. His medicals on his foot will be important.
Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 233 lbs
Arms: 31 3/4”
Wingspan:
Vertical: 35”
Broad: 10’1”
40yd: 4.6
10yd split: 1.59
Francisco Mauigoa began his college career at Washington State and then transferred to Miami in 2023, where he quickly established himself as a defensive cornerstone. He was named Second-Team All-ACC in both 2023 and 2024, and brings a high-energy approach and developmental upside that could see him evolve from a special teams contributor to a reliable NFL contributor.
He was a consistent contributor during his stint at Miami, recording 178 tackles, 8 defended passes, 9.5 sacks, and 29 TFLs.
He has above-average sideline-to-sideline to speed and range and chase down speed. He has quick feet and he’s been a disruptor in the offensive backfield. Mauigoa is a hard-hitting tackler who wraps up consistently and drives through his tackles.
He has a good feel for generating pressure and blitzing the QB, as he generated 46 pressures over the last two seasons with the Hurricanes. Mauigoa does a good job exploiting gaps when they present themselves. A two-year captain at Miami, Mauigoa’s vocal presence and work ethic galvanized the Hurricanes’ defense.
He’s capable of playing MIKE or WILL in a 4-3, with experience dropping into zone coverage and rushing off the edge. He brings leadership, and as the green dot LB, he got his team into position and brought a vocal presence.
He’s a high-motor player and occasionally that leads to over-pursuit, leaving him vulnerable to misdirection plays or cutbacks. His hand usage and block-shedding skills are also still developing.
Francisco Mauigoa has an Ernest Jones feel to him with his instincts and athleticism, and he plays with a relentless style. He should play special teams with his physical nature, but he’s a heat-seeking missile and I think NFL coaches are going to love this guy. I do think he’ll need a bit of time to refine and develop some of his deficiencies, but if he does, I think he can stay in the league.
Barrett Carter, Clemson
Height: 6001
Weight: 231 lbs
Arms: 32 1/8”
Wingspan: 7858
Vertical: 34.5”
Broad: 9’8”
40yd: 4.64
10yd: 1.59
Barrett Carter enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most versatile and athletically gifted linebacker prospects in his class. A former five-star recruit and Maxwell Football Club Defensive National High School Player of the Year, Carter arrived at Clemson with high expectations and has largely delivered over his four-year collegiate career.
He’s earned multiple All-ACC honors and proven himself as a dynamic playmaker. As a senior in 2024, he captained Clemson’s defense, earning Butkus Award finalist recognition.
Barrett Carter has flashed solid production, especially near the LOS, recording 33 TFLs. As a full-time LB over the last few seasons, the tackle rate is a bit on the low side when you look at the other off-ball LBs, although he improved to nearly 11% in 2024.
Carter is fluid in coverage with good hips and transition. He seems to be aware of what’s going on around him in zone coverage. He can blitz the QB or crash the gap against the run. He’s recorded double-digit tackles for loss in multiple seasons, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. I want to see improved tackle efficiency at the next level. He has the range to patrol the field.
While Carter’s run defense improved, Carter’s run defense remains a work in progress. At 230 pounds, he can struggle to hold his ground and occasionally gets washed out by not failing to stack and shed effectively. I think better pursuit angles will lead to more tackles. His impatience disrupts gap integrity, leading to over-pursuit and missed run plays. He’s average from this standpoint.
Carter’s game evokes shades of Isaiah Simmons (former Clemson star and Cardinals first-rounder), though he’s a more traditional linebacker with less positional ambiguity. He doesn’t have the traditional sideline-to-sideline speed, and I think he’s slower than Trenton Simpson, but has a better feel for what’s around him.
The last few Clemson LBs haven’t transitioned well to the NFL: Baylon Spector, Simmons, and Simpson. I guess the positive going for Carter is that his last name doesn’t end in “S.”
As I watched him more, I found myself less enamored and saw a good football player, but not elite. He did manage to be the LB that I’d take Jalon Walker over. Carter’s sub-7 RAS confirms what I’ve seen on tape.
His immediate contributions will likely come as a run-and-chase defender and special teams ace, with his ceiling tied to how quickly he improves in coverage, as he’s coming off a 47.7 coverage grade from PFF.
Jalon Walker, Georgia
Height: 6010
Weight: 243 lbs
Arms: 32”
Wingspan: 7978
I’m probably going to get a lot of flak for not having him in my top 10, and that’s fine. He can play football and there are flashes of elite athleticism, but it was inconsistent and left me wanting more. I’d love to see more plays like this consistently:
I’ll admit, Week 7’s tape against Texas was really good with 8 solos and 3 sacks (nearly half his sack production in one game). However, he had just 2 sacks in the final 6 games.
As I mentioned in my All-22 series, he quickly recognizes run/pass plays but needs to improve his reaction to pre-snap shifts. His swim move and snap quickness disrupt blockers, but he struggles to break free from strong tackles. He moves well laterally and can close fast, though his effort varies. He excels at quarterback spying, demonstrating patient observation.
He’s an early-down player who can rush on the edge or on the inside in pass-rush situations. I see him more as a late 1st round/early 2nd round pick.
He didn’t do any drills at the Combine, and now he won’t be at his Pro Day because he injured himself (hamstring) working out. He might be a full-on fade for me at his projected price.
Draft capital will probably thrust him into significant snaps, so the thought of drafting him in the 2nd/3rd of rookie drafts makes sense, but if I’m taking an LB that early, I’m taking Higgins, Campbell, or Schwesinger.
Nickolas Martin, Oklahoma State
Height: 5114
Weight: 221 lbs
Arms: 31 3/4”
Wingspan: 7838
40yd: 4.53
10yd split: 1.54
He’s undersized, but the 40-yard confirmed what I’ve seen on tape: a quick linebacker who can play football. Martin’s nose for the ball is exceptional, evidenced by his tackle totals and ability to generate negative plays for the offense. He also had a solid 2.7-yard average depth of tackle.
His closing speed and lateral quickness make him a sideline-to-sideline threat, ideal for modern NFL defenses facing spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks. He’s been described as a “heat-seeking missile,” Martin hits with force and rarely misses in open space when healthy.
Martin’s a bit undersized at 6’0” and 220 pounds. He does get locked up and on larger offensive linemen. A knee injury derailed his 2024 season, raising questions about durability and long-term health. His pre-draft medical evaluations will be critical.
He has just one full season as a starter (2023) before his injury-shortened 2024 campaign, leaving a relatively small sample size of elite production. Martin’s a dynamic linebacker prospect who has the tools. He’s a bottom-of-the-draft, high-upside flier worth stashing on your taxi squad.
Kobe King, Penn State
Height: 6006
Weight: 236 lbs
Arms: 31 1/4”
Wingspan: 7858
Kobe King shows solid awareness in zone coverage by keeping his eyes on the quarterback and maintaining depth in his drops. He displays decent change of direction when reacting to routes in his area and can match up with tight ends and running backs, though he lacks the elite speed to cover quicker slot receivers on longer routes.
As a tackler, he is fundamentally sound, squaring up well, delivering force through his hips, and using a strong wrap-up technique to minimize yards after contact, though he can occasionally get caught flat-footed against shiftier ball carriers.
He uses his hands effectively to shed smaller blockers but struggles against stronger offensive linemen, showing some stack-and-shed ability that could improve with better hand placement.
King needs to refine and improve in man coverage, where he needs better mirroring skills against quicker running backs and tight ends, potentially struggling in man-heavy schemes. He can get stuck on blocks from linemen with strong hands and needs better counters. Where he lacks top-end burst in coverage and blitzing, he needs a more explosive first step. He can be occasionally slow to diagnose run-pass options and misdirections, leading to delayed reactions.
King is a Day 3 prospect likely to be selected in the 4th or 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a high-floor linebacker with special teams value and starter potential in a run-heavy scheme will see him as a worthwhile investment.
Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
Height: 6023
Weight: 236 lbs
Arms: 32 3/4”
Wingspan: 7758
Cody Lindenberg has developed into a technically sound, instinctive linebacker with a high football IQ, making him a potential three-down player in the NFL.
Lindenberg has overcome injury woes and enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with the Gophers. Over three seasons, he recorded a 15% tackle rate. This past season, he recorded 94 and 5 TFLs while also defending 6 passes.
He displays excellent awareness in zone schemes, keeping his eyes on the quarterback while maintaining depth, allowing him to read and disrupt passing lanes effectively. Lindenberg is a fundamentally sound tackler who squares up well, takes long strides, drives through his hips, and wraps up consistently, minimizing yards after contact. He starts with a balanced stance, reacts quickly at the snap, and maintains leverage.
He’s a smart player who rarely overcommits, and has above-average eye discipline against misdirections. He’s vocal pre-snap, often communicating adjustments to teammates.
He can get blocked out of the play, so he’ll need better hand placement and counter moves to disengage quicker.
He should be drafted among the top 200 players in the draft and I’m hoping for good results at his Pro Day. I think he’ll be on the developmental side for a while and a special teamer. He’ll be one of those late-round, free-agent lottery tickets that I hope pays off in a few years.
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Great article. Really appreciate it.