2018 NFL Draft – Inside Linebacker

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – ILB:

You are currently viewing the 156 best inside linebackers in the 2018 NFL Draft. Our top inside linebacker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best linebackers in college football. Even though only about 12-15 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for free in-depth analysis of 2018 inside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2018)

2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Roquan Smith has been on the NFL radar ever since he first stepped on the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. Smith is an incredible athlete, an intelligent player, and a well-coached tackler. He is known for being a great leader, which is a very important trait for inside linebackers who generally relay the plays to the rest of the defense. His discipline, IQ, and athleticism are a dream combination for any defensive coordinator. Not only does Roquan have a high ceiling, he also has a very high floor. His 4.51 speed at 6’1" 236 pounds is the best among ILB’s in this draft.

2017 Stats

2017 Stats

Malik Jefferson has a great frame and athletic ability for a linebacker. Standing over 6’2" and weighing 236 pounds, he ran a 4.52, had a solid 125" broad jump, and put up 27 reps. Jefferson was a high end recruit who started most of his true freshman season, but he didn’t start to play great football until this past year. His tackle total rose from 60 to 110, which is much more in line with what you’d expect from a quality inside linebacker. His instincts are still sub par and he doesn’t always wrap up on his tackles, but he showed some improvement this past year and has a lot of potential because of his athleticism.

2017 Stats

12 games played, 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks.

Josey Jewell won’t be a high end draft pick because he lacks top end speed, but this is a guy who knows how to play the position. Inside linebackers rely so heavily on having a quick diagnosis, understanding of offensive and defensive schemes, and good tackling form, and Jewell has all of these. He is incredible in zone coverage, and has 6 interceptions plus 26 more passes broken up over the past 3 years. He doesn’t have the quickness to defend many players in man and might struggle with running down faster players in the NFL, but he will be a reliable tackler and zone defender.

2017 Stats

12 games played, 132 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, 2 interceptions.

Micah Kiser didn’t play much his freshman year at Virginia, but by his redshirt sophomore season he got his chance and never looked back. Kiser was a 3-time All-ACC 1st team selection by ACC coaches. Each of these 3 seasons he far exceeded 100 tackles, showcasing his great instincts and closing speed. Kiser has had some very hard hits which forced 5 fumbles his junior year, but he will also miss some tackles. His struggles are mainly in coverage. Although he is okay in zone coverage, his range is limited, and he has been embarrassed in man coverage on multiple occasions.

2017 Stats

13 games played, 145 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 passes defended.

Complete draft rankings for 2018 – Inside Linebacker

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2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |