The value of high-quality linebackers has been rather low since the rise of data analytics, but we could see a swing in the other direction due to the rise of the rushing attack. So, which prospects lead the 2025 NFL Draft LB rankings?
2025 Draft LB Rankings | 10-1
Linebackers have arguably the most difficult job on the defensive side of the ball. Not only do they need to fill gaps and read runs, but they also have to drop into coverage and occasionally guard WRs, TEs, and RBs one-on-one. Well, these 10 LBs can do both.
LBs Just Outside the Top 10
- Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
- Teddye Buchanan, Cal
- Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State
- Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
- Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
10) Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina Gamecocks
Although Demetrius Knight Jr. will be 25 come draft day, his character and maturity will be a plus from Day 1. On the field, he has the range, physicality, and natural instincts that will translate, especially on special teams.
At 6’2″ and 245 pounds, Knight is already well-built, but his lack of a high ceiling will limit his draft stock.
9) Jackson Woodard, UNLV Rebels
Somehow, after earning first-team All-Mountain West recognition last season, Jackson Woodard played even better this season. He led the Rebels in tackles (135), tackles for loss (17), and pass breakups (12) while recording 3.5 sacks and four INTs.
Woodard’s lack of elite tools will likely see him drop to Day 3 of the draft, but his production alone is worth the price of admission.
8) Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon Ducks
Jeffrey Bassa started at least seven games every year of his collegiate career at Oregon, which is impressive in its own right. But what has been most compelling to watch is his growth since his freshman campaign.
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Bassa will allow receptions into his coverage, but pass catchers won’t get much more after that due to his length and movement skills. Plus, he has shored up his technique as a tackler and is a weapon blitzing off the edge and up the middle.
The 2024 campaign was one the Utah Utes will likely want to forget, but Lander Barton did all he could to keep his team in games. He led the roster with 72 tackles (five TFLs) while adding two INTs, four PBUs, and one fumble recovery.
At 6’4″ and almost 240 pounds, Barton is equipped with the requisite size to man the middle of a defense. He can be indecisive against the run, and longer, more powerful linemen cause him issues when attempting to shed blocks, but his athleticism and growing football IQ bouy his profile.
6) Carson Schwesinger, UCLA Bruins
Carson Schwesinger started only one season in college — it was enough to warrant a top-10 spot in the 2025 NFL Draft LB rankings. The 6’2″, 225-pound LB was one of UCLA’s few bright spots this season, leading the nation with 90 solo tackles and 7.5 solo tackles per game.
His lack of experience shows up against misdirection and play action, but Schwesinger compensates with exceptional fluidity and acceleration from the second level. With most of his “weaknesses” stemming from limited reps, franchises will likely view Schwesinger as a high-upside prospect — as they should.
5) Jay Higgins, Iowa Hawkeyes
Disciplined. Good athlete. Sure tackler. Has a nose for the ball. Stop me if you’ve heard those adjectives describe an Iowa defender before, but Jay Higgins fits the bill.
He racked up a country-leading 171 tackles as a full-time starter in 2023, and although he’s dropped down the rankings some this year, he can still blitz effectively and get to his drops in zone (four INTs in 2024).
4) Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss Rebels
Chris Paul Jr. has quite literally done it all for the Rebels: 88 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, four PBUs, one INT, nine QB hits, and one fumble recovery.
The former Arkansas LB is an efficient pass rusher, reliable tackler, and strong cover man — turn on any game, and you’ll likely see No. 11 coming up big.
3) Barrett Carter, Clemson Tigers
Barrett Carter is the epitome of a modern linebacker with the size, speed, and power to be a chess piece on defense. Blitz him off the edge, send him to cover from the slot, or have him fill gaps in the run game from the box — he can do it all.
The 2023 season was his first playing full-time at the second level, and there were some growing pains, but he appeared much more comfortable in Year 2.
2) Jihaad Campbell, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jihaad Campbell spent his first season in Alabama on special teams but earned the starting LB role as a true sophomore. His long 6’3″ and 240-pound frame easily wraps up opponents and squeezes throwing windows in the flats and underneath.
Campbell has the mobility to cover in space, understands how to negotiate the field around him, and explodes to the ball.
1) Jalon Walker, Georgia Bulldogs
Jalon Walker is a versatile front-seven disruptor who can supercharge an NFL pass rush and inject speed into the linebacking corps. Listed as an off-ball LB, Walker’s ability to line up anywhere and wreak havoc makes him a chess piece NFL teams will love to deploy.
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Don’t take my word for it; watch the tape! Walker has heavy hands at the point of attack, owns sideline-to-sideline range, and explodes off the ball. Yet, it may take a creative defensive coordinator to maximize his potential.
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