To the linebacking core we go, with a diverse set of talents to begin considering from about the halfway point of round one and beyond. What order these names come off the board though will depend on the eye of the beholder, with this being a truly wide open group.
Jalon Walker:
Georgia 6' 1" 243 lbs. 4.50 40-Time
Fantastic closing speed once he identifies where a play is going, covering ground at a pace reflected by his 4.5 40. Eye-catching burst off the line, with bend to work his way around even the best tackles. Solid set of pass rushing moves to disengage from blockers, while also strong enough to overpower them. Extremely agile, changing direction with suddenness before quickly accelerating back to full speed.
Needs to improve on his angles, often getting bailed out by his superior athleticism. Small frame that can be washed out once blockers get their hands to his chest. Was rarely asked to drop back into coverage, with much of his production coming off the perimeter. Only 11 collegiate starts, giving pro teams very little film to work with.
Summary: "The Georgia Bullet" as some have come to call him, Walker projects as mainly as a 3-4 outside linebacker. However, his elite athleticism and rawness will lead many front offices to believe he's capable of much more on the field. His floor is a solid pass rushing specialist, but he's got all the tools to develop into a three-down monster in the right situation.
Jihaad Campbell:
Alabama 6' 3" 235 lbs. 4.52 40-Time
Impressive feel in zone coverage, maintaining his assignments while aggressively working into passing lanes. Similarly talented in man to man, with athleticism to hang with backs and tight ends. Explodes toward the ball once plays are identified, violently engaging with ball carriers. Capable pass rusher, with the burst and strength to outmaneuver unsuspecting linemen. Scheme versatile, having success lining up anywhere from the edge to middle linebacker.
Only 235 pounds, could lead to difficulties against larger, athletic pro linemen. Raw overall at the position, having previously been an edge rusher. Occasionally over pursuing on plays, resulting in missed tackles or blown zone coverage.
Summary: One of the heaviest hitters in this class, Jihaad Campbell boasts an alluring, yet inexperienced skillset. He did it all for Alabama's defense-- getting after the QB, coverage over the middle and perimeter, and everything else in between. And he did it well, but there's definitely some bad habits he'll need to shore up if he wants to realize his immense potential in the NFL. Expect there to be a few growing pains as a rookie, with opposing offensive coordinators attempting to take advantage of his aggression. But the upside is undeniable if this kid puts in the work to learn the craft at the position. Too versatile and athletic of a mold to last long on the board.
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| Photo: Jonathan Bachman/ Getty Images |
Demetrius Knight Jr.:
South Carolina 6' 2" 235 lbs. 4.58 40-Time
Powerful tackler, rarely losing grip on his opponents once he's stuck them. Track record of success getting after the quarterback on blitzes. Rarely gets washed out on running plays, establishing position by initiating contact with offensive linemen before breaking to the ball. Good feel and spatial discipline in zone pass defenses. Special teams experience, where he'll be sure to cut his pro teeth.
A little stiff in pursuit, lacking the ability to fluidly change direction-- which also negatively impacts his man coverage. Occasionally slow to react while reading running plays, surrendering unnecessary yardage or allowing blockers to get on top of him before breaking.
Summary: Demetrius Knight Jr. looks like an old school middle linebacker: wide, not supremely agile, but brings the boom once he has you squared up. Shiftier backs in space and misdirections are going to give him issues, likely limiting him to early downs and special teams early on in his career. Increasing his hip fluidity and overall agility will really allow him to ascend into a three-down thumper.
Chris Paul Jr.:
Ole Miss 6' 1" 222 lbs. 4.63 40-Time
Great straight line speed, with power to shed blockers and quickly reaccelerate. Positionally versatile, having produced at all three linebacker spots. Good feel for zone coverage with athleticism to hang in man. Capable of getting after the quarterback with tenacity, on the interior and the outside. Experience on special teams throughout college career.
Really light frame, weighing in in the 220's-- could be bullied by larger pro linemen, especially with shorter arm length. Gets a little overaggressive at times, shooting to the wrong gaps or over pursuing runners. Hits hard but not a true thumper, may struggle to bring down more physical backs.
Summary: With no relation to the NBA superstar, Chris Paul Jr. projects early on as a contributor on passing downs and special teams. He's adept in both zone and man coverage while also possessing the skills to get after the quarterback. He'll likely need to add some functional weight over the next few years if he's going to ever thrive against the run, but his versatility and upside in pass defense will afford him ample opportunities to get on the field.
Carson Schwesinger:
UCLA 6' 2" 242 lbs. 4.70 40-Time
Shoots gaps with authority on delayed blitzes or rushing plays. Disciplined in zone coverage, rarely straying far from assignments. Also athletic enough to hang with backs in man to man. Doesn't miss tackles once ball carriers are in his grip. Has special teams experience and was nominated as a team captain by his peers.
Short arms and a smaller frame, allowing bigger blockers to wash him out of plays-- needs to improve shedding these blocks once he's been engaged with. Functional strength and technique leave room for improvement. Only one year as a defensive starter.
Summary: If you're watching Carson Schwesinger's highlights, there's a ton of things to like. He can get after the passer, he's a solid tackler and he's got some scheme versatility. It's the plays that don't make the highlight reels that are concerning, like him getting thoroughly outmuscled by pulling/ascending guards, or opening up cut back lanes by over pursuing running backs. Despite playing mainly in the middle for UCLA, Schwesinger likely will benefit from a move to OLB once he hits the professional field, which would allow him to work through less traffic and get after the quarterback. He's raw and will need some time to acclimate, but there's some desirable traits here to build off of.
Barrett Carter:
Clemson 6' 0" 231 lbs. 4.55 40-Time
Explosive, downhill first step, with the speed to beat would-be blockers to their spots. Relentless motor, constantly in pursuit of the ball. Experience in the middle as well as on the outside. Active hands in the passing lanes, knocking down six balls in 2024. Skilled man-to-man defender, with elite athleticism for the position to hang with speedier backs. Impressive work against the run, holding his ground by blowing up unsuspecting linemen and working his way to the ball carrier.
Gets a little impatient at times in coverage, which savvy quarterbacks can make him pay for. That same over aggressiveness can be exploited on misdirection plays as well, leaving Carter out to dry. Shorter and lighter than many of his fellow linebackers, suggesting his long term spot to be on the outside.
Summary: There's few guys in this class that boast the raw athleticism of Barrett Carter, with some really eye-catching plays from last season. He's fast, strong and relentless from various linebacker positions. His motor never stops, but would probably benefit from toning it back a gear and honing the necessary fundamentals for the position. Could immediately slot in as a three-down linebacker, though he has flaws to refine in his run and pass defense. The raw potential is off the charts though, which'll surely catch some team's eye on day two of the draft.
Jeffery Bassa:
Oregon 6' 1" 232 lbs. 4.63 40-Time
Capable of lining up all over the second level of the defense, including split out wide. Uses hand moves well to knock blockers off of him, though he could initiate contact more proactively to beat them to the punch. A former safety whose coverage skills have translated to the linebacker position. Times blitzes well, though his sack production doesn't necessarily reflect that. Excels on special teams units.
Hips are a little stiff, not always changing direction with the most fluidity. Watches the quarterback a little too much while in coverage, opening himself up for blown assignments. Functional strength and weight will each be points to address on the next level. Dealt with an ankle injury last season that medicals will want to examine.
Summary: Special teams wizard Jeffery Bassa will have a spot reserved on an NFL roster for a decade thanks to the tenacity he approaches the third phase of the game with. He brings some competency and potential the the defensive side of the ball too, particularly against the pass. Unlikely to ever develop into a three-down thumper, Bassa should at least provide some solid depth and the ability to pop in on nickel and dime packages in passing situations.
Danny Stutsman:
Oklahoma 6' 3" 233 lbs. 4.52 40-Time
Heavy hitter, meeting ball carriers at the point of attack with authority. Skilled run defender that patiently reads the play before bursting through the gap to shut it down. Disciplined in zone coverage, athletic enough to play man-- plenty of room to improve in each area however. Special teams stud.
Pads can get a little high at times when trying to deliver punishing hits. Doesn't boast the best lateral agility, playing his best ball when moving north and south. Hesitant at times to engage with oncoming blockers, allowing them to get inside his pads and control him.
Summary: Danny Stutsman looks like an old fashioned middle linebacker, neck brace and all. He's a monster going north and south, expertly identifying run plays before smashing backs before they can build up a head of steam. His east to west game leaves something to be desired, as does his pass defense overall, but the Sooner projects as a special teams contributor and early down backer off the jump with intriguing upside.
Honorable Mention:
Smael Mondon Jr., Kobe King, David Walker, Cody Simon
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@Choppinglines
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