Complete 2026 NFL Draft LB Rankings:

You are currently viewing our linebacker rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. The 2026 LB looks significantly better than the past two years, but just how good will it be?

Our top linebacker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented inside linebackers in college football. Even though only about 25 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite.

We’ll provide you with inside information to help you know who will be a star, who will be a bust, and which sleepers will shock the world.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2026 NFL draft linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 22, 2026)

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State

LB/EDGE | 6’4″ | 241 lbs | 3rd Year

Arvell Reese Scouting Report

Arvell Reese has emerged as the premier defensive prospect in the 2026 class and a tone-setting playmaker for Ohio State. After rotating early in his career, he took a significant leap last season and became the centerpiece of the Buckeyes front seven.

Reese’s biggest strength is his versatility. He can rush off the edge, stack and shed inside, or drop into coverage without looking out of place. His first-step explosiveness and closing speed routinely stress tackles and create disruption even when he does not finish with a sack.

He plays with outstanding effort and physicality, showing the ability to chase plays sideline to sideline. Reese has also proven reliable in high-leverage moments against top competition. The main knock is that his pass rush plan can be inconsistent, relying on athleticism over counters at times. That refinement should come quickly.

Arvell Reese 2025 Stats

14 games: 69 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State

LB | 6’5″ | 244 lbs | 4th Year

Sonny Styles Scouting Report

Sonny Styles is an elite all around athlete who started his career as a supersized Safety before transitioning to linebacker and becoming an All-American for Ohio State.

Styles brings a rare blend of size, range, and athleticism that fits exactly what the modern NFL is looking for on the second level. He is comfortable playing in space, carrying tight ends and backs in coverage, and shows the instincts to trigger downhill quickly against the run. His background in the secondary shows up in his awareness, ball skills, and ability to process route concepts. Styles can play with some physicality when he needs to, but his real value is in his versatility and chess piece usage.

If he had entered the 2025 draft, he would’ve been knocked for his tackling form. That was significantly better this past season, and showcases he is still trending quickly upwards in his skillset. He can still be a little overaggressive on play fakes and is only average at getting off blocks, but Styles has a ton to work with and limited downsides.

Sonny Styles 2025 Stats

14 games: 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 fumble forced

3. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

LB | 6’1″ | 231 lbs | 5th Year

Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report

Stats definitely aren’t the most important part of an NFL draft evaluation, but at some point they have to matter, especially for an instinctual position like linebacker. And Jacob Rodriguez put up absolutely ridiculous numbers, including 11 forced turnovers.

Jacob Rodriguez is always around the football. He keeps his eyes in the backfield and on the quarterback exceptionally well, with the football IQ to anticipate plays before they happen and an ability to process information like a quarterback. He actually started his college career as a QB, which shows up in his coverage ability and understanding of QB tendencies. He’s a consistent tackler who shows get form, and triggers fast into the backfield to blow up run plays. 

The physical traits are all average for Rodriguez, which will cause him to fall in the draft and be taken after players who are objectively worse than him. With average speed, minimal length, and most importantly not too much hitting power, it’ll be difficult to continue his same level of dominance at the next level. That being said, the best linebackers play with an instinct that you can’t really teach, and Rodriguez has it.

Jacob Rodriguez 2025 Stats

14 games: 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 10 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 7 fumbles forced

4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

LB | 6’3″ | 238 lbs | 3rd Year

Anthony Hill Jr. Scouting Report

Anthony Hill is one of the most dominant linebackers in the country, even if his production dipped after a massive 2024 season.

Hill is a rangy, explosive second level defender with excellent speed, closing ability, and natural instincts attacking downhill. At his best, he diagnoses quickly and arrives with real pop, making him a tone setter against the run and on blitzes. His 2024 tape showed a difference making presence all over the field, while 2025 was quieter and less consistent, both statistically and snap to snap.

Hill is still a very good athlete in space and has the tools to develop into a better coverage linebacker, though his angles and anticipation can be hit or miss. He can over pursue and take himself out of plays at times. Even with the uneven year, the upside, speed, and impact flashes still point to a high end modern linebacker with starter traits.

Anthony Hill Jr. 2025 Stats

10 games: 69 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 3 fumbles forced

5. CJ Allen, Georgia

LB | 6’1″ | 230 lbs | 3rd Year

CJ Allen Scouting Report

When a true freshman sees extensive playing time for Georgia’s defense, you need to take notice. CJ Allen saw playing time right away for the Bulldog’s star studded defense, and he’s since developed into an All-American. 

Allen is a big time athlete with great straight line speed and quick change of direction, able to carry wide receivers or chase down running backs in the flat. He has the length and quick feet to develop into a solid cover linebacker, but at the moment his calling card is his run defense. Allen gets low into blocks and uses his length to shed blockers while taking effective angles and consistently filling his gaps. Allen has always been a very effective tackler who hits with good power and great technique. 

If Allen is going to become the superstar linebacker some think he can be, he’ll need to be more instinctual. He’ll also need to dramatically improve his coverage technique and play more aware in zone.

CJ Allen 2025 Stats

13 games: 88 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, 2 fumbles forced

6. Josiah Trotter, Missouri

LB | 6’2″ | 237 lbs | 3rd Year

Josiah Trotter Scouting Report​

Josiah Trotter exploded onto the scene as a redshirt sophomore this year, making him one of the less experienced players in the class. You would never guess it by looking at him.

Trotter has a grown man’s game with big time closing speed and hit power, offering elite ability shooting the gaps as a run blitzer. He’s a very nimble and fluid athlete who is difficult to square up as a blocker, but even if he does get squared up he has so much pop in his hands and shoulders that the blocker better have a good anchor. The instincts and reaction speed are obvious with how fast he diagnoses plays towards the line of scrimmage.

Trotter can be overaggressive and bite too often on play fakes, but this can improve with more snaps. The bigger issue is in coverage, where he doesn’t change direction very well and has very little awareness as a zone defender. Teams will take the upside as a run defender, and hope that with his young age he can still improve in pass coverage.

Josiah Trotter 2025 Stats

12 games: 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 pass defended

7. Jake Golday, Cincinnati

LB | 6’5″ | 239 lbs | 5th Year

Jake Golday Scouting Report

Jake Golday may have started his career at Central Arkansas, but his physical traits are better than most 5 star recruits. The 6’4″ 240 pound linebacker is extra big for today’s NFL, but has big time athletic ability including 22mph speed and a 39″ vertical.

Golday has a quick first step and smooth hips to turn and close fast on a ball carrier. He can cover a lot of ground and gives plenty of effort to get sideline-to-sideline. He has delivered some really big hits this past year, doing a good job with speed to power moves. Golday is a consistent tackler who doesn’t miss often, and has enough size to play on the edge if needed.

If he’s on a team that wants him to take a lot of edge snaps, he’ll want to add some strength to improve his anchor. As a pure linebacker he isn’t the best in coverage despite his athletic ability, and can be slow to diagnose plays.

Jake Golday 2025 Stats

12 games: 105 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble forced

8. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU

LB | 6’2″ | 234 lbs | 5th Year

Kaleb Elarms-Orr Scouting Report

Kaleb Elarms-Orr is a powerful and athletic linebacker who impressed at the Senior Bowl before becoming one of the top performers at the NFL Combine. His stock has steadily grown since the end of the season, but his climb up draft boards really should’ve started well before that.

His 2nd season at TCU saw Elarms-Orr receive 1st Team All-Conference honors, while stuffing the stat sheet and routinely blowing up run plays. He has the speed and first step to close in the backfield or effectively make plays sideline-to-sideline. He has decent coverage instincts and plenty of traits to continue to improve there. He’s a big hitter who isn’t afraid to accelerate into his hits, while maintaining good tackling form and rarely missing tackles.

His athleticism masks some subpar awareness of blocking schemes and poor angles, and he doesn’t take on blocks as aggressive as you’d expect if you’ve only watched his tackling film.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr 2025 Stats

13 games: 130 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 passes defended

9. Red Murdock, Buffalo

LB | 6’2″ | 232 lbs | 4th Year

Red Murdock Scouting Report

Red Murdock is an underappreciated linebacker with a nose for the football. All the All-American does is produce, and he has the size, power, and instincts to continue producing at the next level.

Murdock has forced an NCAA record 17 fumbles in his college career, and that doesn’t happen by luck. He squares up his tackles and puts his shoulder or fist directly on the football. He rarely misses tackles, and he has heavy hands that knock offensive lineman off course. He has a good first step when working down hill and is very fast to diagnose run plays, helping him accumulate a ridiculous 30 tackles for loss across the past two seasons. 

Despite improving in coverage this past season, he isn’t very quick laterally and doesn’t have the length to compensate. He isn’t exceptionally fast, and is tight in the hips if he has to turn and run upfield. The athletic limitations will limit his upside and versatility, leaving him primarily as a two-down backer.

Red Murdock 2025 Stats

12 games: 142 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 6 fumbles forced

10. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State

LB | 6’2″ | 231 lbs | 4th Year

Keyshaun Elliott Scouting Report

After becoming a dominant presence during his time at New Mexico State, Keyshaun Elliott transferred to Arizona State where he quickly became one of the leaders where the Sun Devils defense. 

Elliott has the size, length, and athleticism teams are looking for in versatile modern day linebackers, standing 6’2″ 230+ pounds with a verified 4.58 40 yard dash at his pro day. Elliott was a coach on the field this past season and a multiple time team captain. He consistently covered sideline-to-sideline while stuffing the stat sheet, and showed an improving ability to mirror in coverage.

Despite the good 40 time, it doesn’t always show up on tape. He isn’t particularly agile when it comes to evading blocks, and his first step towards the ball is nothing special.

Keyshaun Elliott 2025 Stats

12 games: 98 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 passes defended

Complete 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

RANK NAME SCHOOL AGE HT WT 40YD
1 Arvell Reese Ohio State 3rd 6'4" 241 4.46
2 Sonny Styles Ohio State 4th 6'5" 244 4.46
3 Jacob Rodriguez Texas Tech 5th 6'1" 231 4.57
4 Anthony Hill Jr. Texas 3rd 6'2" 238 4.51
5 CJ Allen Georgia 3rd 6'1" 230
6 Josiah Trotter Missouri 3rd 6'2" 237
7 Jake Golday Cincinnati 5th 6'5" 239 4.62
8 Kaleb Elarms-Orr TCU 5th 6'2" 234 4.47
9 Red Murdock Buffalo 4th 6'2" 232 4.75
10 Keyshaun Elliott Arizona State 4th 6'2" 231 4.58
11 Kyle Louis Pittsburgh 4th 6'0" 220 4.53
12 Deontae Lawson Alabama 5th 6'3" 226
13 Harold Perkins LSU 4th 6'1" 223 4.45
14 Aiden Fisher Indiana 4th 6'1" 232 4.76
15 Justin Jefferson Alabama 5th 6'0" 223 4.57
16 Jaden Dugger Louisiana 4th 6'5" 242 4.60
17 Jack Kelly BYU 5th 6'2" 240 4.57
18 Kendal Daniels Oklahoma 5th 6'5" 242 4.76
19 Owen Heinecke Oklahoma 5th 6'2" 228 4.62
20 Karson Sharar Iowa 5th 6'2" 231 4.56
21 Shad Banks Jr. UTSA 5th 6'0" 230 4.62
22 Bryce Boettcher Oregon 5th 6'1" 233 4.69
23 Lander Barton Utah 4th 6'5" 233 4.79
24 Jimmy Rolder Michigan 4th 6'3" 238
25 Namdi Obiazor TCU 6th 6'3" 229 4.53
26 Jackson Kuwatch Miami (OH) 5th 6'4" 232 4.64
27 Wade Woodaz Clemson 4th 6'3" 236 4.56
28 Taurean York Texas A&M 3rd 5'11" 226 4.59
29 Erick Hunter Morgan State 5th 6'2" 224 4.45
30 Xavian Sorey Jr. Arkansas 5th 6'2" 228 4.63
31 Wesley Bissainthe Miami (FL) 4th 6'2" 225 4.63
32 Nikhai Hill-Green Alabama 6th 6'1" 223 4.65
33 TJ Quinn Louisville 5th 6'0" 225 4.52
34 Mani Powell Purdue 4th 6'1" 231 4.68
35 Caden Fordham NC State 5th 6'1" 223 4.65
36 Scooby Williams Texas A&M 5th 6'2" 231
37 Eric Gentry USC 5th 6'7" 221 4.59
38 Javin Wright Nebraska 7th 6'4" 232 4.60
39 James Conway Fordham 5th 6'2" 236 4.68
40 Keli Lawson UCF 5th 6'6" 231 4.57
41 Parker Hughes Mid Tenn State 5th 6'1" 228 4.39
42 Trent Hendrick James Madison 4th 6'0" 231 4.59
43 Mac Uihlein Northwestern 5th 6'1" 231 4.83
44 West Weeks LSU 5th 6'2" 230 4.56
45 Dylan Hazen Wake Forest 5th 6'0" 224 4.60
46 Riley Wilson Arizona 6th 6'1" 226 4.57
47 Jack Dingle Cincinnati 5th 6'4" 232 4.57
48 Ernest Hausmann Michigan 4th 6'1" 226 4.77
49 Jordan Kwiatkowski Central Michigan 4th 6'0" 229 4.84
50 Micah Davey UTEP 5th 6'0" 229 4.70
51 Triston Newson Missouri 5th 6'1" 227 4.75
52 Mac Harris South Florida 6th 6'0" 227 4.85
53 Desmond Purnell Kansas State 5th 5'11" 228
54 Jhalyn Shuler South Florida 6th 6'2" 231
55 Luke Banbury William & Mary 5th 6'1" 227 4.82
56 Dylan Rosiek Illinois 5th 6'0" 230 4.85
57 Stephen Dix Arkansas 6th 6'1" 245 4.70
58 Jordan Crook Arizona State 4th 5'11" 216 4.76
59 Dominic DeLuca Penn State 5th 6'1" 228 4.63
60 Dariel Djabome Rutgers 4th 6'1" 233 4.79
61 Marco Notarainni Boise State 5th 6'3" 226
62 Darryl Peterson Wisconsin 5th 6'1" 248 4.85
63 Cole Kozlowski UCF 4th 6'2" 234 4.81
64 Sam Brumfield Memphis 6th 5'10" 221 4.72
65 Alex Afari Jr. Kentucky 4th 6'2" 224 4.78
66 Declan Williams Incarnate Word 4th 6'1" 236 4.68
67 Jordan Stringer Troy 5th 6'0" 226 4.64
68 John Miller Utah State 6th 6'1" 231 4.80
69 Sean Brown NC State 5th 5'11" 221 4.64
70 JonJon Vaughns UCLA 6th 6'1" 231 5.01
71 Khalil Jacobs Missouri 4th 6'1" 227 4.77
72 Brendan Harrington Georgia Southern 7th 6'0" 226 4.70
73 Bryun Parham Connecticut 5th 5'11" 221 4.78
74 Taniela Latu San Jose State 5th 6'2" 233 4.66
75 Jadon Pearson Fresno State 6th 6'1" 222 4.55
76 Jaden Keller Virginia Tech 5th 6'2" 237 4.50
77 Malachi McNeal North Dakota 5th 5'11" 233 4.59
78 Brandon Rawls Oklahoma State 5th 6'0" 229 4.76
79 Nic Mitchell Mississippi State 5th 6'1" 225 4.69
80 Daveren Rayner Kentucky 6th 6'3" 220 4.57
81 Brayden Johnson Wyoming 4th 6'3" 244 4.75
82 Kendrick Blackshire UTSA 5th 6'1" 236 4.51
83 Yanni Karlaftis Northwestern 5th 6'3" 235
84 Bangally Kamara Kansas 6th 6'2" 223 4.68
85 Shane Hartzell Villanova 5th 6'0" 230
86 Devon Williams Minnesota 5th 6'0" 231 4.92
87 Quinn Urwiler Northern Illinois 6th 5'10" 230 4.69
88 Wayne Matthews III Michigan State 5th 6'0" 221 4.85
89 Elijah Herring Florida State 4th 6'2" 217 4.95
90 Christian Thomas Maine 6th 6'2" 233 4.90
91 Jordan Pollard San Jose State 4th 6'1" 212 4.77
92 Max Harris Arizona 4th 5'11" 226 4.63
93 Kalib Fortner Army 4th 6'0" 219
94 Tyler Ochojski Lehigh 4th 6'1" 230
95 Langston Patterson Vanderbilt 4th 6'1" 229 4.62
96 Branden Jennings Mississippi State 5th 6'3" 242 4.88
97 Tahj Chambers Ole Miss 6th 6'2" 231 4.62
98 Will Shaffer Abilene Christian 6th 6'0" 240
99 Johnny Chaney Jr. Florida International 5th 6'2" 229 4.81
100 Levani Damuni Utah 7th 6'2" 245
101 Kalib Perry Louisville 4th 6'3" 235 4.60
102 Jeremiah Brown Colorado 5th 6'2" 227 4.85
103 Reid Carrico West Virginia 5th 6'2" 226 4.75
104 Marsel McDuffie UNLV 5th 6'1" 235 4.78
105 James Jackson Virginia 5th 6'2" 229 5.14
106 Andrew Jones Ole Miss 5th 6'0" 229 4.65
107 Evan Eller Wyoming 6th 5'11" 230 4.70
108 Martavius French Colorado 5th 6'2" 234 4.84
109 Chase Wilson West Virginia 6th 6'1" 226 4.66
110 Corban Hondru Miami (OH) 5th 6'1" 225
111 Bryan McCoy Oklahoma State 4th 5'11" 230 4.83
112 Andrew Simpson North Carolina 5th 6'0" 232 4.87
113 Tre Freeman Duke 5th 5'11" 236 4.68
114 Ja'Kobe Clinton West Florida 4th 6'1" 214 4.70
115 Shane Bruce Coastal Carolina 6th 6'0" 228 4.85
116 Sifa Leota Louisiana Tech 5th 6'2" 240 4.72
117 Reid Williford Charlotte 4th 6'2" 235 4.51
118 Rodney Dansby Houston Christian 5th 6'2" 219 4.84
119 Ryan Sever St. Thomas 4th 6'1" 230 4.85
120 AJ Owens Tarleton State 5th 6'2" 230
121 Andon Thomas Army 4th 6'0" 216 4.69
122 Reginald Hughes Colorado 6th 6'1" 221 4.78
123 Mister Williams San Diego State 6th 6'0" 238 4.94
124 Quincy Bryant Wake Forest 5th 6'0" 230
125 Tucker Langenberg Northern Iowa 5th 6'2" 217 4.85
126 Stefon Thompson Florida State 6th 6'0" 241 4.73
127 James Camden Western Michigan 6th 6'0" 225
128 Slade Dollar SE Missouri State 4th 6'2" 225
129 Jayden Flaker Memphis 4th 6'3" 239 4.65
130 Logan Kopp North Dakota State 5th 6'1" 220
131 Nate Ewell South Dakota 5th 6'0" 215 4.66
132 Mason Woods Kent State 5th 5'10" 217 4.78
133 Kerion Martin Marshall 6th 6'1" 231 4.62
134 Andrew Awe Rice 5th 6'2" 230
135 Theron Gaines Tennessee Tech 4th 5'11" 226 4.62
136 Dakota Cochran Central Michigan 5th 6'1" 241 4.88
137 KK Reno SE Louisiana 4th 5'11" 210 4.88
138 Trey Fields North Texas 6th 5'10" 221 4.66
139 Marques Watson-Trent Nebraska 6th 5'11" 215 4.92
140 Sefa Saipaia Jr. Western Michigan 5th 5'10" 222 4.78
141 Sam Howard Tulane 6th 6'1" 212 4.82
142 Dameon Wilson East Carolina 5th 6'0" 221 4.76
143 Parker McKenna Washington State 5th 6'0" 223 4.77
144 Jaylin Alderman Miami (FL) 5th 6'1" 230
145 Tyquan King Connecticut 5th 6'2" 226 4.98
146 Jalen Garner Houston 5th 6'0" 218 4.94
147 Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye Yale 5th 6'0" 211
148 Justin Flowe UNLV 6th 6'3" 220
149 Jaden Mosley Samford 4th 6'1" 222 4.77
150 Shane Whitter North Texas 6th 6'0" 232
151 Darius McKenzie South Alabama 6th 6'1" 224
152 Anwar Sparrow Syracuse 6th 6'0" 217 4.69
153 Kevin Washington Jr. Western Illinois 4th 6'0" 225
154 Reid Pulliam Jackson State 4th 6'1" 228 4.70
155 Jaylen Wester Western Kentucky 4th 6'0" 225 4.88
156 Isiah King Idaho 5th 6'3" 224 4.61
157 Reese Edwards Illinois State 5th 6'1" 222 4.81
158 AJ Roberts Stony Brook 6th 6'0" 230
159 Koby-Sebasyen King East Texas A&M 5th 6'0" 221 4.72
160 John Argo Grand View 4th 5'11" 236 4.62
161 Kyle Taylor Arkansas State 5th 6'1" 232 4.68
162 Ryan Crandall Northern Iowa 4th 6'1" 225
163 Terrence Williams Louisiana 5th 6'1" 228 4.70
164 Drue Watts Memphis 5th 5'11" 222 4.61
165 Darrell Starling Jr. Prairie View A&M 6th 6'1" 212 4.69
166 Justin Waters Charleston Southern 6th 6'0" 232 4.78
167 Micah Thurman West Georgia 4th 6'0" 231 4.52
168 Jalen Brooks Missouri State 6th 5'10" 226 4.74
169 Elijawah Tolbert Montana 5th 5'11" 229 4.90
170 Charles George Jr. Texas Southern 5th 6'4" 239 4.95
171 Sebastian Adamski Southern Utah 5th 5'11" 228 5.18
172 Sean Allison Drake 4th 6'0" 235
173 Terique Miles Norfolk State 5th 6'2" 242 4.75
174 Mitchell Gonser Buffalo 6th 6'1" 236 4.81
175 Seth Naotala Old Dominion 6th 6'0" 225
176 Nate Rutchena UC-Davis 6th 6'3" 228 4.69
177 Alfred Chea Ball State 5th 6'2" 229 4.82
178 Anthony Brackenridge Western Kentucky 4th 6'2" 226 4.98
179 Kenenna Odeluga Illinois 5th 6'0" 232 4.62
180 Hunter Barth Stanford 5th 6'2" 224 4.70
181 Jianni Woodson-Brooks Morgan State 5th 6'0" 235
182 Travis Arena Northern Arizona 5th 6'2" 230
183 Jaydon Southard Stephen F. Austin 4th 6'0" 224 4.72
184 Tyler Banks Ole Miss 4th 6'2" 242 4.64
185 Chayce Chalmers Stony Brook 7th 6'1" 230
186 Shaun Myers Colorado 5th 6'0" 219
187 Hayward McQueen Jr. Western Carolina 4th 6'1" 215
188 Geno Facchetti Franklin Pierce 4th 6'1" 229 4.76
189 Daniel Knudsen UL-Monroe 5th 6'3" 219 4.55
190 Malachi Wright Central Connecticut 4th 6'1" 230
191 Josh Dunn Southern Utah 5th 6'2" 218 4.68
192 Malcolm Liufau Western Oregon 5th 6'2" 235
193 Bryce Ramirez Texas Tech 7th 6'1" 226 4.64
194 Stemarion Edwards Alcorn State 5th 5'10" 211 4.86
195 Malik Gaither Samford 6th 6'0" 223 4.58
196 Treylin Payne Texas State 4th 6'0" 196 4.80
197 Ty Anderson ETSU 4th 6'1" 210
198 Gage Timm UW-River Falls 4th 6'0" 225 4.78
199 Colin Bohanek Southern Illinois 6th 6'0" 225
200 Read Sunn Eastern Washington 6th 6'2" 230
201 Bryce Edmondson UNLV 5th 6'2" 232 4.53
202 Patrick McDonnell Robert Morris 4th 6'0" 227 4.98
203 Giovanni Iovino Hawaii 5th 6'1" 223 4.80
204 Jack Stoll Central Connecticut 4th 5'11" 223 4.93
205 Jaxon Rexroth Iowa 5th 6'1" 230
206 Brayden Faulkner Lamar 4th 6'1" 240
207 Kennedy Parker Prairie View A&M 5th 5'11" 209 4.72
208 Christian Pierce Western Illinois 4th 5'11" 212 4.93
209 Richie Kimmel Villanova 6th 6'1" 230
210 Frank Lee IV Eastern Kentucky 6th 6'1" 238 4.75
211 Aaron Swafford Tennessee Tech 6th 5'11" 220 4.78
212 Jeff Roberson Minnesota 6th 6'2" 230
213 Eddy Toussom UAB 5th 6'4" 230 4.88
214 Gage Summers Akron 5th 5'11" 230 4.73
215 Boyce Bankhead Presbyterian 4th 6'2" 220
216 Chase Smith Miami (FL) 5th 6'2" 240
217 Logan Livermon Campbell 5th 5'10" 207
218 Shug Walker Southern Illinois 6th 6'1" 224 4.98
219 Shammond Cooper Akron 7th 6'3" 215 4.83
220 DJ Herman San Diego State 5th 6'1" 235 4.87
221 Alec Marenco Wake Forest 5th 6'2" 235
222 Caden Nelson St. Thomas 5th 6'2" 245
223 Mikey Blandin Newberry 5th 6'2" 220
224 Tah Banda UT-Martin 6th 6'1" 235
225 Kyree Anderson East Texas A&M 5th 5'11" 230
226 Shay Taylor Charlotte 5th 6'2" 225 4.87
227 Owen McGowan Boston College 5th 6'0" 235
228 Aidan Kaler Stony Brook 7th 6'3" 230
229 Khalib Gilmore Norfolk State 7th 6'4" 234
230 Jamieson Alston Winston-Salem State 4th 5'10" 225
231 Antavious Fish Sam Houston State 5th 6'0" 225 4.84
232 Clyde Washington Utah State 6th 6'2" 227 4.78
233 Brandon Wong Northern Arizona 4th 6'1" 210
234 Chase Henning British Columbia 6th 6'0" 207 4.56
235 Devin Sterling Tarleton State 6th 6'2" 235
236 Harold O'Neal III Hampton 5th 6'1" 215
237 Steven Ward II Pittsburg State 5th 5'11" 220 4.57
238 Jalen Wright Mississippi Valley 5th 6'0" 221 4.75
239 Jalen Smith Hawaii 5th 5'11" 220 4.76
240 Terrence Cooks II Texas State 5th 6'2" 220
241 Garrett Carter Marist 4th 6'2" 245
242 Latrell Couchman Maine 5th 6'1" 237 4.81
243 Jaden Harrell Iowa 5th 6'2" 235
244 Brandon Perkins Bryant 5th 6'1" 230
245 Kendal Sims Merrimack 4th 6'1" 214 4.69
246 Malik Harp South Carolina State 5th 6'1" 230
247 Caleb Frazer Northern Iowa 5th 6'1" 217 4.66
248 Darrian Bell Savannah State 6th 6'0" 235
249 Dontae Lunan Coastal Carolina 6th 5'9" 205 4.85
250 Katin Surprenant Temple 5th 6'2" 235
251 Malek Horlback Presbyterian 4th 6'2" 210
252 John Johnson Fort Hays State 5th 6'3" 235
253 Cam Junior Eastern Kentucky 5th 6'1" 230 4.85
254 Max U'Ren NC Central 5th 6'2" 240
255 John Perdue Brown 4th 6'0" 230
256 Semaj Cross Kent State 6th 5'11" 230 4.67
257 Michael Booker III Nebraska 5th 6'0" 235 4.62
258 Tylan Foster Eastern Illinois 5th 5'10" 215 4.94
259 Chavez Brown South Florida 5th 6'1" 232 4.64
260 Brian Norris Florida A&M 8th 6'2" 230
261 Cole Bullock New Hampshire 5th 5'10" 213 4.80
262 Anthony Cardamone Grand Valley State 5th 6'0" 234 4.85
263 Kalen Villanueva Campbell 5th 6'2" 235
264 Jayland Parker Marshall 5th 6'0" 213 4.76
265 Joseph Carter Liberty 5th 6'0" 235
266 Joseph Harper Southern Miss 5th 6'1" 235
267 Steven Cattledge Troy 5th 6'3" 235
268 Jaxxon Brashear Ottawa 4th 6'1" 226
269 Tyson Meiguez Duquesne 6th 6'2" 220
270 Andy Alfieri Oregon State 6th 6'3" 238 4.89
271 Sanjay Strickland Lindenwood 6th 6'3" 220
272 Oscar Moore Sacramento State 5th 5'10" 212 4.70
273 Carter Glassmyer Richmond 4th 6'1" 225
274 Calvin Pitcher UAB 5th 6'1" 218 4.72
275 Kanye Young Missouri State 4th 6'1" 220
276 Jadyn Walker Fort Valley State 5th 5'11" 219 4.97
277 Sterling Roberts Prairie View A&M 5th 5'11" 217 4.81
278 Kyle Arnholt Appalachian State 5th 6'2" 225
279 Khatavian Franks Eastern Kentucky 6th 6'1" 225 4.69
280 Dimitri Johnson New Mexico 5th 6'1" 235
281 Bam Smith Tarleton State 4th 6'0" 225
282 Sam Smith Brown 4th 6'0" 230
283 Cam Dyson Howard 4th 6'2" 225 4.83
284 Daylon Land Central Arkansas 6th 6'2" 225
285 Adam Klenk Navy 4th 6'2" 215
286 Marje Mulumba Delaware 5th 6'1" 215
287 Michael Boudoin III Texas State 5th 6'3" 213 4.69
288 Luke Bauer Morehead State 5th 6'0" 235
289 Jacob Ellis Colorado State 6th 6'0" 215 5.04
290 Oscar McWood Miami (OH) 5th 6'1" 220
291 Chris Gales Albany 5th 6'1" 225
292 Will Middleton Austin Peay 5th 5'10" 220
293 Stephen Sparrow Bethune-Cookman 5th 6'1" 220
294 Joey Stemler Ball State 5th 6'1" 238 4.81
295 Kadari Machen Pennsylvania 4th 5'11" 214 4.82
296 Dillon Trainer Delaware 6th 6'1" 230
297 Ronnie Porter Appalachian State 5th 6'0" 247 4.88
298 Nay'Ron Jenkins Florida A&M 4th 6'1" 220
299 Branson Peters Towson 4th 6'1" 215
300 Mandel Eugene Jr. Prairie View A&M 5th 6'0" 209 4.65
301 Matt Conroy Shenandoah 4th 6'0" 215
302 Matthew Leach Fayetteville State 4th 6'3" 220
303 Shamari Weir UT-Martin 6th 6'0" 215
304 Cole Bullock Dartmouth 5th 5'10" 213 4.80
305 Trent Whalen Arkansas 6th 6'2" 225 4.83
306 Luke McLaughlin Furman 5th 6'2" 215
307 William Carter Delta State 5th 6'1" 230
308 Vincent Paige Jr. Southern 4th 6'2" 225
309 CJ Johnson Sam Houston State 6th 6'1" 233 4.91
310 Hayden Shaheen Nicholls 6th 6'0" 215
311 Caleb Brubaker Grove City 4th 6'0" 210
312 Garland Benyard Kennesaw State 5th 6'1" 225
313 Judah McJimpsey Howard 4th 6'2" 215
314 Domonique Davis II Central State 5th 5'9" 210 4.72
315 Cameron Hollobaugh Ohio 4th 6'0" 220
316 Andrew Behm Southern Illinois 5th 6'2" 230
317 Jakari Patterson Robert Morris 7th 6'2" 210
318 Noah McNeal-Franklin San Jose State 5th 6'0" 210
319 Jake Miller Mercyhurst 6th 6'1" 220
320 Tyson Garrett Butler 4th 6'0" 225
321 Brandon Hile Kutztown 4th 6'2" 225
322 Devon Edwards Lindenwood 5th 6'2" 230
323 Derik LeCaptain Minnesota 7th 6'1" 233
324 Zach Nowatzke Northern Colorado 5th 6'2" 240
325 Rhoody Jean-Louis Alabama State 5th 6'1" 225
326 Darryle Ware The Citadel 6th 6'1" 216 4.70
327 Evan Rutkowski Monmouth 5th 6'2" 215
328 Jack Smiechowski Columbia 4th 6'1" 205
329 Chris Calhoun Elizabeth City State 8th 6'1" 225
330 Ron Holmes Albany 6th 6'0" 225
331 Preston Zandier Youngstown State 5th 6'0" 225
332 Colin Bryant South Carolina 5th 6'3" 232 4.86
333 Myles Turner Towson 6th 6'1" 225
334 Aaron Key Connecticut 6th 6'2" 234
335 Zane Porter Marshall 5th 6'1" 214 4.68
336 Sam Weihrauch Findlay 4th 6'0" 225
337 Jack Kirkwood Harvard 4th 6'4" 225
338 JR Flood Drake 4th 6'1" 220
339 Drew Francis ETSU 6th 6'3" 230
340 Dune Smith Incarnate Word 7th 5'11" 205
341 Jay Jones II Howard 5th 6'0" 235
342 Jason Riles Florida A&M 5th 6'1" 215
343 Jaquez Dew Alcorn State 7th 6'1" 230
344 Demarcious Robinson North Alabama 4th 5'8" 198 4.68
345 Mitchell Robinson Jr. Robert Morris 4th 6'0" 210
346 Thaxton Gallagher Jacksonville State 4th 6'2" 225
347 Jack Beebe Ball State 5th 6'1" 225
348 Marco Scarano Princeton 4th 6'0" 205
349 Brayton Spetter Butler 5th 6'0" 225
350 Jalen Coles Tiffin 6th 6'3" 234
351 Dillon Schobourgh Morehead State 5th 6'0" 225
352 Jerome Nichols Florida A&M 6th 6'0" 226 5.00
353 Justice Cross Florida A&M 5th 6'2" 225
354 Ky'Won McCray New Mexico 5th 6'4" 191 4.70
355 Aedan Seiuli Portland State 5th 6'3" 225
356 Ty Davis Temple 5th 6'3" 215
357 Michael Jones Jr. Southern 5th 6'0" 217 4.75
358 Kolbe Cage Northwestern State 5th 6'0" 215
359 Tel Arthur Montana Tech 4th 6'1" 225
360 Jalen Wilson Indianapolis 5th 6'0" 215
361 Sam Ofurie Rhode Island 5th 6'2" 230
362 Fred Lewis UTSA 5th 5'11" 215 4.57
363 Sebastian Conwell New Haven 5th 6'0" 215
364 Quinlan Popham Northern Arizona 5th 6'2" 220
365 Jamarlo Campbell Southern 4th 6'0" 220
366 Iese Puni UT-Martin 4th 6'2" 250
367 Jonathon Brown MidAmerica Nazarene 4th 5'9" 227 4.84
368 Greyson Lafleur Southern 4th 6'0" 220
369 Tyrese Hopkins UL-Monroe 6th 6'2" 250 5.04
370 Keenan Tyler Wartburg 4th 6'1" 220
371 Jacquez McGowan Eastern Kentucky 4th 6'1" 205
372 Dimitris Biamby Alabama A&M 6th 5'11" 210
373 Dominic Mangiafico Stonehill 4th 6'0" 240
374 Jaymason Willingham Lindenwood 7th 6'2" 225
375 Enock Sibomana Wyoming 5th 5'11" 215
376 Nick Verbitsky Sacred Heart 4th 6'0" 220
377 Clarke Hamilton Siena Heights 5th 5'11" 200
378 Anthony Ward Washington 6th 6'0" 217 4.61
379 Avery Morris Duquesne 6th 6'1" 225 5.03
380 Jesse Ruisch Susquehanna 4th 6'2" 210
381 Trevor Moffitt ETSU 5th 6'2" 215
382 Kenton Allen North Texas 5th 6'1" 229 4.81
383 Lawai'a Brown Central Michigan 5th 5'10" 223 5.01
384 Joshua Tate Davenport 4th 6'1" 215 4.82
385 Rafael Fasolino LIU 5th 6'0" 195
386 Jalil Lenore Alabama State 6th 6'1" 222 5.34
387 Clark Griffin Harding 4th 5'9" 195
388 James Smyre UAB 4th 6'1" 210 4.83
389 Camden Gray The Citadel 5th 6'3" 240
390 Jerry Riggins Robert Morris 5th 5'11" 215
391 Daniel Eliasek Randolph-Macon 5th 5'11" 215
392 Jaelin Willis Appalachian State 5th 5'10" 212 5.34
393 Jake Hall Maine 5th 6'2" 230
394 Colton Guerrero Wagner 4th 6'0" 220
395 Marshawn Mankins West Virginia State 6th 6'1" 199 4.96
396 Kelbee Holmes UL-Monroe 4th 5'11" 220
397 Jaden Maronen Lamar 5th 5'11" 225
398 TJ Scannell Trinity (TX) 4th 5'11" 210
399 Jackson Barry Stetson 4th 6'1" 225
400 Luke Freeman Bucknell 4th 6'2" 225
401 Jeremiah Jackson Butler 4th 5'9" 195
402 Mo Vanderwiel San Diego 5th 6'0" 210 4.80
403 Geno Leonard Montana 5th 5'11" 230
404 Brenden Barley Grambling State 5th 6'1" 237 5.03
405 Joey Velazquez Ohio State 7th 5'11" 221 5.00
406 Tighe Cummiskey Lafayette 4th 6'0" 225
407 Sione Moa Connecticut 5th 6'1" 222 5.07
408 Josh Darling Grambling State 6th 5'10" 205
409 Noland Asberry Arkansas State 4th 6'1" 222 4.96
410 Kosuke Hara Waseda (JP) - - -
411 Chris Williams Bowling Green 6th 6'1" 228 5.09
412 Noah Barrett St. Olaf 4th 5'10" 220 5.09
413 Tylan Hollis Charleston Southern 6th 5'11" 200
414 Justin Dumas SE Louisiana 6th 5'11" 203 4.88
415 Michael Robinson Jackson State 5th 6'2" 236 5.04
416 Bryant Jackson New Mexico State 6th 5'11" 236 5.01
X Jason Henderson Old Dominion 5th 6'1" 235
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Traits That Make a Linebacker Prospect Great

Inside linebackers are often called the quarterback of the defense, and need to make a ton of lightning quick reactions to play effectively. Closing speed, tackling, play recognition, and lateral quickness are among some of the most important factors of scouting the top linebacker prospects.

Some of the factors we consider when scouting are included below.

Closing Speed

When the play presents itself, the best linebackers will have the closing speed to get there in a flash. This speed doesn’t always translate to a great 40 time as it happens in slightly shorter bursts, but this burst is a must-have to get sideline to sideline.

Play Recognition

Even if you have great speed, if you don’t have the football IQ to recognize plays, you’re likely going to be late to your spots. Determining run versus pass, understanding route combinations, and identifying blocking concepts all fall into this category.

Lateral Quickness

Linebacker prospects need to be able to keep their eyes in the backfield while moving side to side and occupying the proper gaps. Having good lateral quickness and smooth feet will help them stay in good position and continually find themselves near the play.

Tackling

Hit power and tackling form are absolute necessities for linebackers. While tackling form can definitely be improved with coaching, most of the elite linebackers in college football are already advanced with their tackling form and have it come naturally to them.

2026 LB Draft Prospects FAQs

Who is the best LB in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Sonny Styles of Ohio State is the heavy favorite to be the first true linebacker selected in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his elite combination of size, speed, production, and pedigree.

Arvell Reese would be the top linebacker for most people, although many consider him an edge rusher instead.

How good is the linebacker draft class in 2026?

The 2026 linebacker class looks significantly stronger than the past two seasons. Led by a talented group of versatile defenders who can play multiple positions, this is the first linebacker class in several years where there are several players in play in the top 50 picks.

Who is the fastest linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The fastest linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft is Parker Hughes of Middle Tennessee, who clocked a verified 4.39 40 yard dash at his pro day while weighing 228 pounds.

5 more linebackers ran a sub-4.5 40, including Harold Perkins, Erick Hunter, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles.