2021 NFL Draft – Outside Linebacker Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – OLB:

You are currently viewing the best outside linebackers in the 2021 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 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: March 27, 2021)

2021:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. He lined up all over the field for the Notre Dame defense, playing at linebacker, defensive line, and in the slot. At roughly 6’1" 220 pounds he doesn’t have big time size, but his first step is elite and he hits hard. He has lightning quick hips which allow him to mirror slot receivers and running backs in coverage, while also having the length and power to compete with bigger tight ends. His athletic profile and incredible versatility will make him a favorite of defensive coaches across the league.

2020 Stats

12 games: 62 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 interception

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award winner wound up at Tulsa after being unrecruited out of high school, soon developing into a 6’4" 260 pound beast at linebacker. You’ll see some big guys playing linebacker, but you’re usually sacrificing speed for size. Collins is incredibly fast for his size, and explodes through tackles for some big hits. His tackling form and power are obvious, but just as impressive are his instincts in coverage. Collins amounted 4 interceptions and 2 additional pass breakups in just 8 games this year, showcasing his ability to read and react quickly to opposing offenses. He was also great coming off the edge and pressuring QBs, offering solid bend around the edge and the ability to bring down a QB with one hand.

2020 Stats

8 games: 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 6 passes defended, 4 interceptions

Ojulari really put things together as a redshirt sophomore at Georgia, totally 9.5 sacks in just 10 games with an exceptionally high win-rate on pass rushes. Despite being a bit undersized, he has the power and speed to excel as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he’s yet to show much ability dropping in coverage to suggest he’d be comfortable in a 4-3 role. His technique improved quite a bit at Georgia, primarily using his speed to get outside and below offensive tackles. He plays bigger than his frame with a compact punch and solid hand placement, being able to rip off blocks if the lineman doesn’t probably set.

2020 Stats

10 games: 31 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 0 interceptions

Joseph Ossai played primarily defensive end for the longhorns this past season, but has the athleticism at 6’4" 245 pounds to stand up at linebacker, even in a 4-3. Ossai is great against the run, setting the edge and diagnosing plays while using his strong upper body to create separation to make the tackle. He’s eclipsed 15 tackles for loss in each of the past 2 seasons, and has seen steady improvement throughout his 3 year career. While he isn’t the best in coverage if playing a traditional linebacker role, he has enough skill and athleticism to line up in a variety of formations and play effectively.

2020 Stats

9 games: 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 0 interceptions

Jabril Cox was an absolute stud at NDSU, and I was excited to watch him dominate the SEC to showcase just how good Bison players are. Dominate might be a bit of a stretch, but Cox was as good as any linebacker in the SEC this past season. At 6’3" 230 pounds, Cox has a great frame for defending tight ends and hitting running backs, and he is a natural coverage linebacker with a lot to offer as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. His pass rushing isn’t elite, but he’s a great run blitzer and checks all the boxes for a situational pass rusher when needed. He moves swiftly and checks all the boxes of a starting 4-3 OLB.

2020 Stats

10 games: 58 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 8 passes defended, 3 interceptions

Complete 2021 OLB draft rankings

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2021: | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

I use the outside linebacker distinction primarily for guys who bridge the gap between inside linebacker and defensive end. Most of these guys could be an inside linebacker for a 3-4 system but would certainly be weak or strongside in a 4-3. The group of outside linebackers this year is really impressive at the top, and certainly outclasses the average inside linebacker (except Micah Parsons). Many players in this group have impressive versatility, including Owusu-Koramoah, Zaven Collins, and Jabril Cox. While there is a lot of athleticism in the top and middle rounds, the group will definitely get weaker in the last couple rounds and in to free agency. Even so, it’s a pretty solid group.