2019 NFL Draft – Outside Linebacker Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – OLB:

You are currently viewing the best outside linebackers in the 2019 NFL Draft. Our top outside linebacker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best linebackers in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, a lot 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 in-depth analysis of 2019 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 24, 2019)

2019:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

2018 Stats

13 games: 88 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 4 passes defended

Brian Burns plays at one speed: Fast. At 6’5" 249 pounds, he ran a 4.53 40 yard dash and honestly plays faster than that. While he’ll need to improve his coverage play to be a linebacker at the next level, Burns is a great pass rusher who beats offensive tackles with speed around the edge. Burns put on about 15 pounds since the end of the season to play stronger, but time will tell if he keeps that weight on. His pursuit speed is elite, and his agility and flexibility jump out on tape. While he is could use a more refined approach, he has a very high ceiling.

2018 Stats

12 games: 52 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 3 passes defended

Justin Hollins is one of the more underrated players in the draft. The 6’5" 248 pound linebacker was on the NFL radar for a while, but he took a big step up draft boards after dominating the East-West Shrine Game. His stock raised even higher after running a 4.50 40-yard dash at the combine, while also putting up 25 reps. Hollins is also one of the best in pass coverage at the position, having 7 passes defended and preventing many more completions. His athleticism, size, coverage ability, and play speed make him a top prospect. 

2018 Stats

13 games: 64 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 1 interceptions

Ben Banogu is a big time edge rusher who can terrorize offenses who don’t double team him. At 6’3" 250 pounds, Banogu ran a 4.62, but really impressed with his lower body power. Ben had a 40" vertical at the combine and 134" broad jump. While he was incredibly productive in the run and pass games in college, he’ll need to develop a more diverse approach to consistently beat linemen in the NFL. Still, his power and quickness is a dangerous combination. 

2018 Stats

13 games: 57 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 0 passes defended

Jachai Polite terrorized SEC offenses this past year, and was once thought of as the 2nd best OLB in the class. At the combine, Polite measured in heavier than expected (but not heavy enough to play defensive end), and also slower than expected. While he may lack straight line speed, Polite plays with power and has some quick feet. While the measurements weren’t impressive, he plays faster than they read, and you can’t argue with his production. Polite is also surprisingly good in pass coverage for someone who played on the line in college. 

2018 Stats

13 games: 45 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 4 passes defended

Complete draft rankings for 2019 – Outside Linebacker

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2019:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

I’m not a huge fan of the outside linebackers in this draft. It’s important to note that OLB refers mostly to 4-3 outside linebackers. In a 3-4 system you’d expect some of these players to be inside linebackers. Most of these guys are undersized defensive ends, including Brian Burns, Jachai Polite, Sutton Smith, and more. The cream of the crop is definitely Josh Allen, although he doesn’t offer much when dropping back in pass coverage. There are definitely some good pass rushers in the group, but few complete players. There is more depth than I originally expected at the position, and a lot of freakish athletes.