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The 2025 NFL draft class is weak at linebacker. The position has evolved throughout most of the collegiate level, greatly affecting professional prospects. Most defenses have siloed the position into two roles: a small coverage player or an extra defensive lineman to help in the trenches. The top two defensive linebackers in the class may be drafted as pass rushers. It’s rare to find a traditional linebacker prospect with good size and athleticism.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s future is murky, so the Browns desperately need a linebacker. The team relies on a host of veterans, but if Owusu-Koramoah’s injury is severe, they must find a long-term solution to the position as soon as possible. The linebacker class has some nice gems who could develop into starters. The Browns have a lot of picks near the end of the third day of the draft. The team should unload multiple picks on linebackers. They cannot rely on undrafted free agents and retreads to secure the middle of the field.
Here are my top 20 linebackers in the NFL draft.
Jihaad Campbell is the best linebacker in the class. He’s a muscular 6-foot-2, 235-pounds. Campbell was used as a defensive weapon for Alabama. He could rush off the edge, dominate the run game between the tackles, and cover from hash to hash. Campbell is a big man who loves to fly around the field delivering hard hits. He plays the position as it’s meant to be played. I haven’t seen a punisher like him since Dont'a Hightower retired. Campbell is one of the top ten players in the draft.
Jalon Walker is an excellent athlete who will be forced to focus on one position after spending his collegiate career as a tweener. The 6-foot-1, 243-pound defensive weapon doesn’t have the size to play in the trenches and must focus on becoming a better linebacker. Walker is a powerful athlete with incredible quickness and speed. Walker can immediately contribute in the run game and as a blitzer, but he needs to work on his coverage skills and route recognition to improve his pass defense. He is a fantastic weapon, but teams should only select him if they know how to use him. He has the talent to be a defensive playmaker, but he must be used correctly. Walker is a first-round talent, but he isn’t a scheme-agnostic player.
Carson Schwesinger has every trait you’d want from a linebacker. The former walk-on measured in at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds. Schwesinger is a great athlete who loves to come downhill in the run game. Schwesinger shines in the passing game. He understands his coverage assignments and reads the quarterback’s eyes well. Schwesinger has a robust skill set, and he’ll be a day one starter for a team needing a linebacker. Schwesinger should go at the start of the second round.
Danny Stutsman is a big, athletic linebacker who is an enforcer against the run. The 6-foot-3, 233-pound linebacker is an aggressive thumper who loves to make plays near the line of scrimmage. He can be aggressive to a fault, he struggles with misdirection in the run and the passing game. Stutsman is a good blitzer. He should see the field as a strong-side linebacker in base defenses. Stutsman will need time to develop his football acumen before he can be relied on for all three downs. Stutsman would make a good project in the third round.
Teddye Buchanan is one of the most underrated prospects in the NFL draft. Buchanan has a muscular build, standing at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds. Buchanan is a fantastic coverage player who intuitively understands route combinations from various alignments. He has a sideline to the hash mark range and a smooth back pedal. Buchanan is a powerful run defender and a good blitzer. He isn’t a refined run defender, as he gets caught up on blocks and takes poor pursuit angles. Buchanan must improve his run defense in the NFL. Buchanan is a good third-round option for teams looking to improve their pass defense at the second level.
Cody Lindenberg is a throwback middle linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker knows how to use his size. He triggers downhill in the run game, and his momentum helps him blow up blocks. Lindenberg plays high and lacks the power his size would suggest. He is eager to attack in the run game, but can get washed out by linemen much bigger than him. Lindenberg is a smart coverage player with great eyes and above-average agility. He can poach the passing lanes in the middle of the field. Lindenberg will make a good backup and could develop into a starting-level linebacker. He’d be a good day-three option for teams.
Smael Mondon Jr. battled through injuries in his senior season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker is battle-tested as he’s commanded the Bulldogs’ defense over the past three seasons. Mondon is a good run defender who thrives in pursuit. Mondon is average in coverage. He’s bad in zone coverage, as he struggles to read the quarterback’s eyes and enter passing windows. He’s good at man coverage, as he sticks to tight ends and running backs' hips. Mondon is a high-intensity linebacker who could develop into a starter. He’s a good option on the third day of the draft.
Jeffrey Bassa is a highly athletic defender. The 6-foot-1, 226-pound linebacker flies all around the field, making plays. Bassa displays his range in coverage, where he can shadow players in man coverage and bounce between throwing windows in zone. Bassa drops his head at the point of contact, leading to manyt of his problems in the run game. He gets stuck on blockers too easily and misses a lot of tackles. Bassa is a solid rotational piece who could develop into a starting linebacker if he increases his wherewithal. Bassa is a solid lottery ticket in the fourth round.
Cody Simon was a good field general for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Simon was awarded the defensive MVP of the national championship game. Simon is a stout linebacker, standing at 6-foot-1, 229-pounds. He’s a technically sound linebacker who is extremely disciplined in the run game. Simon is a good linear athlete, but his limited agility shows up in coverage. He is an intelligent linebacker and a good run defender. Simon is a high-floor player and a good day-three option for teams looking to solidify their run defense.
Shemar James is a hyper-athletic linebacker for the University of Florida. James shines when he’s allowed to chase the ball, he is aggressive with great range. James is strong and can knock back offensive linemen at the point of attack. He is an unrefined linebacker who struggles to tackle players. The 20-year-old linebacker must develop his football intelligence to play in the NFL. James is slow to read his keys in the run game and routes in the passing game. James is a young linebacker with all the tools to play in the NFL. He’ll see the field on special teams as he studies the game. James is a good developmental prospect. He has a fourth-round grade.
Demetrius Knight Jr. was a monster in the middle of South Carolina’s defense. The 6-foot-1, 246-pound linebacker is incredibly athletic. He has the strength to blow up linemen in the run game, and the speed to hawk down ball carriers. The 25-year-old linebacker is hyper-aggressive and is easily baited by misdirection. Knight is good at chasing the ball but struggles to diagnose plays. Knight has all the tools to play in the NFL, but he must greatly improve his football intelligence to stay on the field at the NFL level. He’s a good lottery pick on the third day of the draft.
Francisco Mauigoa was a four-year starter for the Miami Hurricanes. Mauigoa has a good size for the position at 6-foot-2, 231-pounds. Mauigoa is a powerful athlete with limited range. He’s an up-and-down run defender, he struggles with tackling and pursuit angles. He shows no fear triggering down hill, and taking on blockers. Mauigoa is a fine coverage player with decent range, but lacks the acceleration to stay with players at the top of the route. He is a smart defensive player who must refine his techniques at the next level. Mauigoa is a developmental prospect worth a fifth-round pick.
Chris Paul Jr. was my second favorite linebacker to watch. The 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker plays with great intensity, intelligence, and power. Paul doesn’t have the size preferred by the NFL, but makes it up with tenacity and athleticism. Paul is a wrecking ball in the middle of the field. He’s a great run defender, and average in coverage. Paul must develop his football intelligence to help him compensate in pass defense. Paul is a great linebacker, but his size could scare many teams off. His lack of strength and mass make it hard to succeed in the middle of the defense. It’s easier for him to get lost or bullied in tighter spaces. This is my biggest concern for him. Paul could develop into a quality starting linebacker, he’s a great lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
Jailin Walker has the size and coverage ability of a safety. The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker was a great second-level defender for the Hoosiers. He attacks the line of scrimmage on run plays, but lacks the power to take on blocks. He’s a good coverage player with the athleticism to bully tight ends and run with running backs. Walker understands passing threats entering his zones and does a good job of passing them off. Walker is probably too undersized to play on early downs, but he can play on obvious passing downs. He is a good special teams player who could develop into a dangerous role player at the NFL level. He’s a good flier for teams in the sixth round of the NFL draft.
Jackson Woodard is one of the better run defenders in the class. He’s 6-foot-2, 232-pounds of power and determination. Woodard diagnoses plays quickly and triggers hard downfield. He can blow up blockers, if when he has momentum, but he generally struggles to shed them once they make contact. Woodard reads the eyes of quarterbacks well, but his college role of playing a foot from the line of scrimmage and poaching passing lanes doesn’t exist in the NFL. His four interceptions and 16 pass deflections during his senior season show he does have good ball skills. However, he lacks the agility to cover players in man-to-man. Woodard has all the tools to be a valuable early-down role player and a special team’s ace. He’s a solid option for teams looking to add physicality to their linebacker room in the sixth round.
Kobe King is an old-school linebacker. The 6-foot, 236-pound linebacker is a hard-nosed run defender and good blitzer. King is a rudimentary player, relying on his burst and power to win rather than technique. He’s a powerful athlete, but lacks the agility to cover players. He’s slow to read plays, decreasing his play speed. King is a tough defender who can will find the field on special teams and obvious run situations. King is a good option for teams at the end of day three.
Jack Kiser is a battle-tested linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker set Notre Dame’s record for games played. He’s become astute over the course of his career. He quickly reads his keys and diagnoses plays. Kiser is an average athlete happy to do the dirty work on defense. He has all the intangibles to be a successful linebacker, but lacks the physical traits to thrive in the NFL. Kiser is a high-floor prospect worthy of a day-three pick.
Jordan Turner is a fearless field general. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Michigan State linebacker loves to attack the line of scrimmage. He brings the boom to offensive linemen looking to climb to the second level. He’s a good run defender and shines in coverage. Turner is smooth in coverage, able to work through his zone quickly, and sticks to players in man-coverage. Turner isn’t a good linear athlete, he’s not a sudden or fast player. He has some serious physical limitations that could keep him from seeing the field. However, Turner is one of the smartest linebackers in the class and should get drafted. He’s a good option near the end of the draft.
Kain Medrano is a physical linebacker from UCLA. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker has NFL size, but needs to add mass at the next level. Medrano is a great athlete and makes plays across the field. The 24-year-old linebacker is raw. He relies on his physical gifts to make his guesses right. Medrano struggles to tackle players. He has all the tools to play in the NFL but must learn how to play the position. Medrano should be a good weapon on special teams as he develops into a linebacker. He’s a great lottery ticket on day three.
Carson Bruener is a violent linebacker with great speed. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound linebacker flew around the field for Steve Belichick’s Washington defense. Bruener is a smart player who diagnoses plays quickly and poaches the throwing lanes. Bruener lacks the strength for his play style, and it shows up consistently in the run game. He must get stronger in the NFL. He should find a home on special teams as he becomes a backup linebacker. Bruener is a good flier in the seventh round of the NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Top 20 linebackers prospects in the 2025 NFL draft
Continue reading...
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s future is murky, so the Browns desperately need a linebacker. The team relies on a host of veterans, but if Owusu-Koramoah’s injury is severe, they must find a long-term solution to the position as soon as possible. The linebacker class has some nice gems who could develop into starters. The Browns have a lot of picks near the end of the third day of the draft. The team should unload multiple picks on linebackers. They cannot rely on undrafted free agents and retreads to secure the middle of the field.
Here are my top 20 linebackers in the NFL draft.
1. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
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Jihaad Campbell is the best linebacker in the class. He’s a muscular 6-foot-2, 235-pounds. Campbell was used as a defensive weapon for Alabama. He could rush off the edge, dominate the run game between the tackles, and cover from hash to hash. Campbell is a big man who loves to fly around the field delivering hard hits. He plays the position as it’s meant to be played. I haven’t seen a punisher like him since Dont'a Hightower retired. Campbell is one of the top ten players in the draft.
2. Jalon Walker, Georgia
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Jalon Walker is an excellent athlete who will be forced to focus on one position after spending his collegiate career as a tweener. The 6-foot-1, 243-pound defensive weapon doesn’t have the size to play in the trenches and must focus on becoming a better linebacker. Walker is a powerful athlete with incredible quickness and speed. Walker can immediately contribute in the run game and as a blitzer, but he needs to work on his coverage skills and route recognition to improve his pass defense. He is a fantastic weapon, but teams should only select him if they know how to use him. He has the talent to be a defensive playmaker, but he must be used correctly. Walker is a first-round talent, but he isn’t a scheme-agnostic player.
3. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
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Carson Schwesinger has every trait you’d want from a linebacker. The former walk-on measured in at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds. Schwesinger is a great athlete who loves to come downhill in the run game. Schwesinger shines in the passing game. He understands his coverage assignments and reads the quarterback’s eyes well. Schwesinger has a robust skill set, and he’ll be a day one starter for a team needing a linebacker. Schwesinger should go at the start of the second round.
4. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
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Danny Stutsman is a big, athletic linebacker who is an enforcer against the run. The 6-foot-3, 233-pound linebacker is an aggressive thumper who loves to make plays near the line of scrimmage. He can be aggressive to a fault, he struggles with misdirection in the run and the passing game. Stutsman is a good blitzer. He should see the field as a strong-side linebacker in base defenses. Stutsman will need time to develop his football acumen before he can be relied on for all three downs. Stutsman would make a good project in the third round.
5. Teddye Buchanan, Cal
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Teddye Buchanan is one of the most underrated prospects in the NFL draft. Buchanan has a muscular build, standing at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds. Buchanan is a fantastic coverage player who intuitively understands route combinations from various alignments. He has a sideline to the hash mark range and a smooth back pedal. Buchanan is a powerful run defender and a good blitzer. He isn’t a refined run defender, as he gets caught up on blocks and takes poor pursuit angles. Buchanan must improve his run defense in the NFL. Buchanan is a good third-round option for teams looking to improve their pass defense at the second level.
6. Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
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Cody Lindenberg is a throwback middle linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker knows how to use his size. He triggers downhill in the run game, and his momentum helps him blow up blocks. Lindenberg plays high and lacks the power his size would suggest. He is eager to attack in the run game, but can get washed out by linemen much bigger than him. Lindenberg is a smart coverage player with great eyes and above-average agility. He can poach the passing lanes in the middle of the field. Lindenberg will make a good backup and could develop into a starting-level linebacker. He’d be a good day-three option for teams.
7. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
Smael Mondon Jr. battled through injuries in his senior season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker is battle-tested as he’s commanded the Bulldogs’ defense over the past three seasons. Mondon is a good run defender who thrives in pursuit. Mondon is average in coverage. He’s bad in zone coverage, as he struggles to read the quarterback’s eyes and enter passing windows. He’s good at man coverage, as he sticks to tight ends and running backs' hips. Mondon is a high-intensity linebacker who could develop into a starter. He’s a good option on the third day of the draft.
8. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
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Jeffrey Bassa is a highly athletic defender. The 6-foot-1, 226-pound linebacker flies all around the field, making plays. Bassa displays his range in coverage, where he can shadow players in man coverage and bounce between throwing windows in zone. Bassa drops his head at the point of contact, leading to manyt of his problems in the run game. He gets stuck on blockers too easily and misses a lot of tackles. Bassa is a solid rotational piece who could develop into a starting linebacker if he increases his wherewithal. Bassa is a solid lottery ticket in the fourth round.
9. Cody Simon, Ohio State
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Cody Simon was a good field general for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Simon was awarded the defensive MVP of the national championship game. Simon is a stout linebacker, standing at 6-foot-1, 229-pounds. He’s a technically sound linebacker who is extremely disciplined in the run game. Simon is a good linear athlete, but his limited agility shows up in coverage. He is an intelligent linebacker and a good run defender. Simon is a high-floor player and a good day-three option for teams looking to solidify their run defense.
10. Shemar James, Florida
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Shemar James is a hyper-athletic linebacker for the University of Florida. James shines when he’s allowed to chase the ball, he is aggressive with great range. James is strong and can knock back offensive linemen at the point of attack. He is an unrefined linebacker who struggles to tackle players. The 20-year-old linebacker must develop his football intelligence to play in the NFL. James is slow to read his keys in the run game and routes in the passing game. James is a young linebacker with all the tools to play in the NFL. He’ll see the field on special teams as he studies the game. James is a good developmental prospect. He has a fourth-round grade.
11. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
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Demetrius Knight Jr. was a monster in the middle of South Carolina’s defense. The 6-foot-1, 246-pound linebacker is incredibly athletic. He has the strength to blow up linemen in the run game, and the speed to hawk down ball carriers. The 25-year-old linebacker is hyper-aggressive and is easily baited by misdirection. Knight is good at chasing the ball but struggles to diagnose plays. Knight has all the tools to play in the NFL, but he must greatly improve his football intelligence to stay on the field at the NFL level. He’s a good lottery pick on the third day of the draft.
12. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
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Francisco Mauigoa was a four-year starter for the Miami Hurricanes. Mauigoa has a good size for the position at 6-foot-2, 231-pounds. Mauigoa is a powerful athlete with limited range. He’s an up-and-down run defender, he struggles with tackling and pursuit angles. He shows no fear triggering down hill, and taking on blockers. Mauigoa is a fine coverage player with decent range, but lacks the acceleration to stay with players at the top of the route. He is a smart defensive player who must refine his techniques at the next level. Mauigoa is a developmental prospect worth a fifth-round pick.
13. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
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Chris Paul Jr. was my second favorite linebacker to watch. The 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker plays with great intensity, intelligence, and power. Paul doesn’t have the size preferred by the NFL, but makes it up with tenacity and athleticism. Paul is a wrecking ball in the middle of the field. He’s a great run defender, and average in coverage. Paul must develop his football intelligence to help him compensate in pass defense. Paul is a great linebacker, but his size could scare many teams off. His lack of strength and mass make it hard to succeed in the middle of the defense. It’s easier for him to get lost or bullied in tighter spaces. This is my biggest concern for him. Paul could develop into a quality starting linebacker, he’s a great lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
14. Jailin Walker, Indiana
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Jailin Walker has the size and coverage ability of a safety. The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker was a great second-level defender for the Hoosiers. He attacks the line of scrimmage on run plays, but lacks the power to take on blocks. He’s a good coverage player with the athleticism to bully tight ends and run with running backs. Walker understands passing threats entering his zones and does a good job of passing them off. Walker is probably too undersized to play on early downs, but he can play on obvious passing downs. He is a good special teams player who could develop into a dangerous role player at the NFL level. He’s a good flier for teams in the sixth round of the NFL draft.
15. Jackson Woodard, UNLV
Jackson Woodard is one of the better run defenders in the class. He’s 6-foot-2, 232-pounds of power and determination. Woodard diagnoses plays quickly and triggers hard downfield. He can blow up blockers, if when he has momentum, but he generally struggles to shed them once they make contact. Woodard reads the eyes of quarterbacks well, but his college role of playing a foot from the line of scrimmage and poaching passing lanes doesn’t exist in the NFL. His four interceptions and 16 pass deflections during his senior season show he does have good ball skills. However, he lacks the agility to cover players in man-to-man. Woodard has all the tools to be a valuable early-down role player and a special team’s ace. He’s a solid option for teams looking to add physicality to their linebacker room in the sixth round.
16. Kobe King, Penn State
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Kobe King is an old-school linebacker. The 6-foot, 236-pound linebacker is a hard-nosed run defender and good blitzer. King is a rudimentary player, relying on his burst and power to win rather than technique. He’s a powerful athlete, but lacks the agility to cover players. He’s slow to read plays, decreasing his play speed. King is a tough defender who can will find the field on special teams and obvious run situations. King is a good option for teams at the end of day three.
17. Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
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Jack Kiser is a battle-tested linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker set Notre Dame’s record for games played. He’s become astute over the course of his career. He quickly reads his keys and diagnoses plays. Kiser is an average athlete happy to do the dirty work on defense. He has all the intangibles to be a successful linebacker, but lacks the physical traits to thrive in the NFL. Kiser is a high-floor prospect worthy of a day-three pick.
18. Jordan Turner, Michigan State
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Jordan Turner is a fearless field general. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Michigan State linebacker loves to attack the line of scrimmage. He brings the boom to offensive linemen looking to climb to the second level. He’s a good run defender and shines in coverage. Turner is smooth in coverage, able to work through his zone quickly, and sticks to players in man-coverage. Turner isn’t a good linear athlete, he’s not a sudden or fast player. He has some serious physical limitations that could keep him from seeing the field. However, Turner is one of the smartest linebackers in the class and should get drafted. He’s a good option near the end of the draft.
19. Kain Medrano, UCLA
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Kain Medrano is a physical linebacker from UCLA. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker has NFL size, but needs to add mass at the next level. Medrano is a great athlete and makes plays across the field. The 24-year-old linebacker is raw. He relies on his physical gifts to make his guesses right. Medrano struggles to tackle players. He has all the tools to play in the NFL but must learn how to play the position. Medrano should be a good weapon on special teams as he develops into a linebacker. He’s a great lottery ticket on day three.
20. Carson Bruener, Washington
Carson Bruener is a violent linebacker with great speed. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound linebacker flew around the field for Steve Belichick’s Washington defense. Bruener is a smart player who diagnoses plays quickly and poaches the throwing lanes. Bruener lacks the strength for his play style, and it shows up consistently in the run game. He must get stronger in the NFL. He should find a home on special teams as he becomes a backup linebacker. Bruener is a good flier in the seventh round of the NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Top 20 linebackers prospects in the 2025 NFL draft
Continue reading...
