Utah. And while Simpson, Campbell and Sanders are clearly the top off-ball linebackers in the draft, none is a candidate to do it. Competitiveness engrained by growing up with 15 siblings. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. High-school valedictorian and finalist for Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman) in college. He can track down a runner or receiver with great speed and strength. Often referred to as off-ball linebackers, just another term for a guy suited for ILB in 3-4 or middle linebacker. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Round grade: 3rd round (will likely fall due to injury). He is explosive and has great power in his moves. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty. He really played well in 2019, amassing 112 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended and three fumble recoveries. Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers (fifth round) 8. He then played at the Senior Bowl and had a respectable workout at the combine. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Jalen Reeves-Maybin, arguably the Lions best performing linebacker last year, was lost to the Texans on a two-year, $7.5 million deal. Top 3 LB prospects: 1. He has received third-day grades for the 2022 NFL Draft as a backup and special teams contributor. Bench-pressed 420 pounds, cleaned 385 pounds and neared 21 miles per hour running, according to The Athletic. Damone Clark*, LSU (Clark is expected to miss the entire 2022 season after undergoing The Baltimore Ravens Patrick Queen and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Devin White are among the veteran options reportedly on the market, with White seeking a new contract that will make him one of the highest-paid linebackers. Harris is the first linebacker on this list that has all the tools, but no toolbox just yet. He scored an unofficial 9.98 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. Nakobe Dean did not participate in the NFL Combine, so he is relying on his existing tape and potentially pro day to get teams interested. Damone Clark played alongside Devin White and Patrick Queen, which has helped him build both his character and his game. 7/17/21: In 2020, Walker was a steady linebacker next to Monty Rice and did a solid job of defending the run. At the Senior Bowl, Clark had a solid week of practice to help himself with teams. 7/17/21: Sanborn broke out in 2019 with a lot of splash plays for the Badgers. He missed some tackles though, and his splash plays were down from 2020. Like running backs on offense, it takes a lot for an off-ball linebacker to crack the top of the first round on defense. He notched 71 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2020. Hes a sure-tackler who can carve out a role on special teams and was known for his leadership. Web90.4. The 2021 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. ", Full draft prospect analysis from NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein. NFL.com Overview: "A high-cut linebacker, Muma has a nose for the football but his methodology for getting there will need an upgrade to earn NFL playing time. Blitzing ability (or general pass rush ability). As an undersized linebacker, Asamoah struggles to take on blocks and will get completely erased from the play from time to time in the run game. That was given proof with an excellent combine workout. All rights reserved. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Devin Lloyd, Utah (third round) 3. His pass-rush production was impressive, but he is undersized as a rusher for the NFL. 4/27/22: McFadden recorded 77 tackles, three passes defended and 6.5 sacks in 2021. 1. He led the team in passing and rushing (21 rushing TDs) in 2018 before starting the rest of his games at linebacker in 2019 and 2021 (2020 season was canceled due to COVID). 2022 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings. All rights reserved. Boye Mafe is a linebacker/edge rusher that is projected to be an early round draft pick. The Falcons also took DB DeMarcco Hellams in the 7th round. All rights reserved. Domann was decent, but not especially impressive, at the Senior Bowl. Jake Hansen, Illinois (fifth round) 7. Youre also going to want Dean rushing the passer from time to time, because hes as explosive and smart as they come and did a fantastic job when given the green light in college. Hampton posted a team-best 9.5 tackles for loss in 2022, adding seven sacks, 39 tackles and Odds and lines subject to change. He also improved on his coverage skills last year and ended the year with three interceptions thanks to his stellar instincts and understanding of routes developing in front of him. Tindall: Didnt make a ton of plays for Georgia, but then again neither did likely top-two overall pick Travon Walker. 2023 NFL Draft Odds: First Linebacker Drafted in First Round Prediction Drew Sanders: -170. The 2023 NFL draft class of linebackers is a full buffet of different body types and skill sets, which fits the current paradigm of need. Evaluating the pass-rush talent, on the other hand, is quite easy. At a minimum, the Lions should be able to find special teams help at the position with one of their four Day 3 picks. Had 115 tackles (18.5 for loss) in 2021. In 2021, Clark totaled 136 tackles, two forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, one interception and two passes defended. Its not just testing and numbers with Muma, though. He has to show more pass-coverage ability in 2021. Led team in rushing and passing as a quarterback in 2018 before shifting to defense. At the Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, had a broad jump of 120, and jumped a vertical jump of 35.5. There simply isnt a better run defender in this class than Leo Chenal. Testing well before the 2022 NFL Draft will be important for his draft stock. NFL Draft rumors: How, why the Detroit Lions drafted RB Jahmyr Gibbs at 12. Other players with Michigan ties: Ben VanSumeren, Michigan State; Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan; DeAndre Square, Kentucky (Cass Tech HS), Isaac Darkangelo, Illinois (Catholic Central HS); Lorenzo McCaskill, Kansas (Southfield HS); Jalen Graham, Purdue (Cass Tech HS); Trevor Nowaske, Saginaw Valley State. The Lions could use another playmaker for the middle of their defense, especially if he can help on pass downs. Jack Campbell: +250. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 2022 NFL Draft Overall Middle Linebacker Rankings 1. This ranked 148 out of 2188 LB from Home Draft Simulator Jake Hansen, Illinois (fifth round) 7. He had 87 tackles, 2.5 sacks and four passes broken up on the year. Walker also could benefit from playing behind an excellent defensive line. Devin Lloyd is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. Speed is an asset. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. A little undersized, he won 17.6% of his pass-rushing attempts and registered a tackle resulting in a defensive stop on 8.7% of his snaps in run defense. The Detroit Lions have made use of all the draft picks they received when they dealt Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. He's a loose-limbed, restless pass rusher with the activity level to find angles and openings in both his primary and secondary rushHe has developmental rush potential, but needs a major upgrade in grit and technique against the run.". Doesnt take the bait because avid film study has made him good at diagnosing plays. He spent two seasons working as the MIKE and was a team captain for two seasons at Iowa. He has a lot of upside and could be a good value if he breaks out of his 2021 funk. Asamoah might fit best as a 4-3 Will - weak side - linebacker in the NFL. He is physical and has good length to play off blocks. Height Feet 6-0. He put together a huge 2020 season, collecting five interceptions, 96 stops, 1.5 sacks and two passes defended. Hes a smart player and good leader so he could certainly grow into a role. Clark was a tackling machine in 2021, sitting at No. Made 41 tackles for loss in 49 career games (all starts). Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2021, The Associated Press. Playground chase-the-ball style is fun to watch, but he needs discipline and refinement. Skalski could become a three-down starter in the NFL. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! This has become a tricky position to project considering the differences of how theyre used in a 4-3 scheme vs. a 3-4. Maybe the toughest scouting reports to make, because a lot of confusion: Inside linebackers in 3-4 arent generally premium players in the draft, but there is always a couple that have exceptionally well rounded skillsets that sneak into early rounds. 4/27/22: Smith was decent for Penn State in 2021, and he showed a nice ability to drop into coverage throughout the season. On top of being a tough run defender, Morgan was a team captain and inspirational leader. Forty Time Secs 4.52. Emmanuel Beal, Tampa Bay Bandits 6. Size-and-speed package wont scare you. ** - denotes 2024 prospect. NFL.com Overview: "Jackson lacks play strength but has the frame to add muscle and mass. Loves footballthis is mentioned for this position more than any other (referring to linebackers in general). 4/27/22: Asamoah totaled 80 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles in 2021 after recording 66 stops with two sacks, an interception and four passes broken up in 2020. He was a reliable and steady defender for Auburn, but he faces some limitations for the NFL. NFL.com Overview: "Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high levelQuick feet and plus agility will bring him to ball-carriers at a high rate but a lack of size and length means he'll need to fine-tune his approach as a tackler to make sure he finishes what he starts. Thisis the fourth in an eight-part series. The only Combine event he participated in was the bench press where he did 23 reps. NFL.com Overview: "Super senior who decided to come back for another season to put more on film for general managers to think about. Published: Mar 22, 2022 at 03:45 PM. Chad Muma is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. 2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top off-ball linebackers in this years class, Heres everything the Detroit Lions netted in the Matthew Stafford trade. 4/27/22: Domann was a solid linebacker for Nebraska and showed some improvement as a senior. His rush needs to be more consistent and he needs to work on his power because sometimes he can be swallowed up by pass blockers. 2018-None. He's also a quality cover man against tight ends and running backs, but must improve his anticipation and zone coverage at the NFL level. Rodriguez recorded three passes broken up and an interception in both 2019 and 2020. Credited with zero career passes defended. This ranked 5 out of 2188 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/Fv81WZG6dE #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/s6g8AHkT4J. While that's a snapshot of his defensive chops, but there's more to his evaluation than that. As we break down the prospects by round, think of the rounds as tiers and when I believe the team should begin to consider drafting them. Walker is a force against the run and only missed 7 tackles during his entire collegiate career. The return of Shaquille Leonard is expected, but it isnt clear what his timetable looks like going into the offseason workouts. He is listed as the fourth best prospect on NFL.com and the ninth best interior linebacker prospect on ESPN's Best Available. Here are the top 10 ranked draft prospects at linebacker: Devin Lloyd is a versatile, talented pass rusher that can play multiple linebacker positions. College Junior Georgia. Let's learn more about the first of two Falcons seventh-round selections: 2022 stats: 108 tackles | 7.5 TFLs |2.5 sacks | 1 forced fumble | 8 passes defensed | 1 INT. A three-year starter, Jones is a bit light and doesnt have the length or speed the Colts like to see. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The 2023 NFL Draft is over but the Detroit Lions still have room on their 90-man roster to add a handful of undrafted players to the mix. DraftBlaster You are currently viewing the best linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He also notched three sacks, one forced fumble and a pass defended. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive That may or may not be enough to make edge defender the clear-cut best position in the 2022 NFL Draft, but it's more than enough to make it a major storyline in the coming days. 7/17/21: Landman was a solid and productive player for Colorado in 2020. And the three linebackers taken in the first round are slightly below the 3.7 average of the previous 10 years. One of the big winners from Senior Bowl. Most 4-3 DEs are fairly long and built, Sign up for the Colts Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Last offseason they signed 240-pounder Raekwon McMillan and drafted 235-pounder Cam McGrone. At times, he can play too quickly and become undisciplined, but he has the skills that are simply too hard to pass up for linebacker-needy teams. 4/27/22: In 2021, Jeffers totaled 72 tackles, one sack, one interception and three passes defended. Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon. Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (third round) 4. For all Positions: QB RB WR TE OT OG/C EDGE DL A look at where the Seahawks stand at linebacker heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, as well as Rob Rangs top-ranked prospects at that position. He had 63 tackles in 2020 and 49 in 2019 to go along with 3.5 sacks. Christian Harris, Alabama (JR, 6'1", 226 pounds) Harris was a three-year starter at Alabama He has the ability to be moved around along the front 7 do fit the needs of stopping runs. He is listed as the second best linebacker on NFL.com and the best inside linebacker prospect on ESPN's Best Available. A three-year starter and team captain in 2022, Orji has enough size and great length to go along with elite athleticism at the position. First trick is determining the position in the NFL- if possibly a defensive end. At worst, Chenal is an early-down run specialist in the NFL that can also sub in as a pass rusher. In 2021, he finished with 50 run stops and a missed tackle rate of only 8.1 percent. All rights reserved. On ESPN, he is listed as the 5th best prospect for outside linebackers. And the three linebackers taken in the first round are slightly below the 3.7 average of the previous 10 years. Campbell (6-5, 249) and Sanders (6-4, 235) are bigger linebackers who clog passing lanes with their size. Which linebackers were drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, and how does the latest class compare to other LB classes in the past 10 years? At the Combine, he ran a blazing 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, has a vertical jump of 34.5, and a broad jump of 132. He was awarded Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honors after leading the SEC in tackles with 135 tackles in 12 games. NFL Media analyst. In free agency, the team was focused primarily on bringing back players from last years roster on one-year deals, like re-signing Alex Anzalone, Shaun-Dion Hamilton, and Josh Woods. 4/27/22: While Morgan is not the biggest or fastest linebacker, he has excellent instincts and is a superb tackler. College Junior Georgia. Thompson had 20 sacks in three seasons with the Lumberjacks. 7/17/21: Slalski has been a solid contributor for Clemson over the past few seasons. And even though new GM Ryan Poles doesnt have a first-round pick, he is set to usher in a new era of Bears football with Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and a host of other newbies. He could be a great special teamer and depth piece to the linebacker room. Day 3 sleeper: Marte Mapu, Sacramento State. A three-year starter for the Panthers, Dennis is a bit undersized. 2023 NFL Draft: SFA Linebacker BJ Thompson Selected in 5th Round By Kansas City. They traded for 233-pound off-the-ball linebacker Mack Wilson. TRENDING:Lions' Jameson Williams gambling: Minor NFL transgression may be bigger cause for concern. ILB. Kyahva Tezino, Pittsburgh Maulers 2. He has good speed and explosiveness with a high motor, but he lacks the desired height length and coverage abilities Indy covets. He flashed at times for Illinois in the past two seasons, and he has the skill set to produce more. He might also try to overcompensate for his lack of length by taking a poor angle and overrunning his target, but these are things you live with when you have a player of his caliber that can make such a huge impact on the game. WebThe 2022 NFL Draft was the 87th edition of the National Football League's annual draft and was held from April 2830, 2022, at the Caesars Forum on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. Devin Lloyd from Utah, and Nakobe Dean from Georgia. Finding players like Dont'a Hightower (265 pounds when drafted), Jamie Collins (250) and Ja'Whaun Bentley (255) are harder to come by. He can grow under the right coach, but may not be ready to start as soon as he enters the league. READ MORE:How James Houston could have Micah Parsons-like impact on Lions defense in 2023. Ron Jenkins/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Clark is a future three-down starter who is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine and can contribute well in coverage. If Tolson ups his production as a senior, he could rise. He uses quick feet, a flexible frame and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run gameHis slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy. Nik Bonitto has great speed and burst, allowing him to achieve great success in the run game. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot stated that you need a four-down strategy for Day 3 picks, and Hellams fits into that vision. Sanders, an Alabama transfer who made a top-30 visit to Detroit, adds versatility as a nickel pass rusher. Muma is a scheme-versatile linebacker and has two years of starting experience as a middle linebacker in Wyomings 4-2-5 scheme, making him a great fit for the Lions as they switch to a four-man front in 2022. 4/27/22: In speaking to some team sources, they have Tindall as a late-round or priority undrafted free agent. However, he was a two-time team captain, and hes always hunting to hit. ILB. Harris is fast, athletic and strong. SOFI DRAFT LAB Another addition is coming to the Rams' group of edge defenders. General manager Ryan Poles has just six draft picks to work with, A two-year starter, Simpson has the length, speed and range for todays NFL. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson), Alabama defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) tackle Vanderbilt running back Rocko Griffin (24) for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt), Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) cheers after a stop of Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt), Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) plays against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Trenton Simpson: +500. Mr. 4/27/22: Gemmel was a solid, but unspectacular, linebacker for North Carolina over the past three seasons. Rose has skill-set limitations for the NFL, but he could be a third-day prospect who is a backup and special teams contributor. Like Parsons, Smith is a big linebacker who has serious speed. Thompson had 20 sacks in three seasons with the Lumberjacks. For the best local Indianapolis news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Indianapolis Star. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Of the three Georgia linebackers, Tindall is easily the fastest and most explosive. Owen Pappoe, Auburn. BIG BOARD RANK: 36. Malone's wiry build belies his toughness and play strength at the point of attack. 237. Showing well in pass coverage could help the senior to rise. With his lack of playing time, Tindall should be in a rotational role early in his career while he develops. Check back for more photos and highlights of the latest Falcons draft pick. Rodriguez, one of the stars of Hard Knocks, finished last season with 87 tackles and one sack. Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. He doesnt really fit the Colts defense considering his lean build and lack of length, but hes explosive, a good leader and brings a high motor. Showing additional edge ability could help him to rise. Crazier things have happened, though, as there are a few mocks out there that have mocked Lloyd to the Lions at 32. Though a bit lean, Williams has the length, range and athleticism the Colts will like. Web2011 NFL Draft: Linebackers 2011 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks 2011 NFL Draft: Safety 2010. 38 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, trading their No. I guess you could say that, at best, the Lions linebacker room is as good as it was last year, maybe even worse. The repair is likely to force him to miss the 2022 season and will cause him to slide in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he could turn into a mid-round steal for the franchise that can be patient. He has a see-ball, get-ball mentality and hunts runners with good build-up speed and an aggressive demeanorMuma profiles as a backup inside/strong-side linebacker with four-phase special teams talent that should lock him into a roster spot as a Day 3 selection.". While Spector was a quality defender for Clemson, he could have some limitations in coverage for the NFL. Heres how the linebackers in this draft class stack up. April 25, 2023 10:23 pm ET. 2010 NFL Draft: Big Board 2010 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks 2010 NFL Draft: Running Not only that, but most of those guys tested extremely well at the combine or at their pro days. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. With three years of starting experience, Overshwon is a bit on the smaller side for linebackers, but he moves well and has a quick first step. Considering last years group was one of the worst-performing units in the NFL, Id expect the Lions to target a linebacker early in this years draft. 2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 17 wide receivers in this years class, 2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top safeties in this years class, there are a few mocks out there that have mocked Lloyd to the Lions at 32, one of the most athletic linebackers to ever test at the NFL Combine, undergo spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disc, Full coverage, analysis of the Detroit Lions 2023 draft class, Watch: Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker highlights. Group features three receivers, linebacker out of LSU, We also discuss Jalen Carter being available at No. May 24, 2022. His most productive season came as a sophomore in 2019 when he had 84 stops, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes broken up. He has the skills to be a good starter a few years down the line, but he may need a little work to get there. He is yet another linebacker on this list that has plus sideline-to-sideline speed/range and thrives in pursuit. 4 overall pick. 2. Moon flashed some edge-rush ability in 2019 with three sacks. Played two years behind Logan Wilson, a key cog in Bengals Super Bowl run. A four-year starter and two-time captain, Pappoe is a traits-based prospect who is undersized for the position, but hes pretty fast and explosive. NFL.com Overview: "Highly productive and highly physical, Lloyd could create interesting discussions in draft rooms as teams work through his process versus production. His best year came in 2019, when he had 90 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three passes defended. 1. He have to be a factor on special teams and, if he makes the team out of camp, could end up a core player in the kicking game. NFL.com Overview: "Undersized edge defender who plays in a slant-based scheme that makes evaluating his three-down value more difficult. Jack Campbell, Iowa; 3. His athleticism is off the charts, and he has experience playing various linebacker positions. 6'3. Quay Walker, Georgia - Round Grade: 2. Christian Harris*, Alabama 2. He does lack some explosiveness and can be predictable, so he will need some work with a good coach that can help him refine his game. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. 7/10/21: With Micah Parsons sitting out the 2020 season, Smith flashed for Penn State, showing speed and athleticism. 10 of those PDs and 4 of his INTs came in 2021, where he finished with an impressive 81.8 coverage grade via Pro Football Focus. He ran a 4.87 in the 40-yard dash, jumped a 36.5 in the vertical jump, and posted a 117 in the broad jump. Our top linebacker prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best middle linebackers in college football. Clark profiles as an early backup and special-teams performer but has projectable upside that could make him a starting inside linebacker within his first three seasons.". 2023 NFL Draft Odds: First Linebacker Drafted in First Round Prediction Drew Sanders: -170. 4/27/22: Tolson collected 48 tackles, one sack and two passes defended in 2021. The class of linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft class has several quality players, but many will be scheme-specific. All rights reserved. 4/27/22: Sanborn was decent for the Badgers in 2021, recording 74 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Walker's tackle total will probably increase in 2021 because Rice is in the NFL. He can cover tight ends in space, and he racked up 10 sacks his first two seasons at Clemson as a blitzer. 7/17/21: Jeffers played well over 2018 and 2019 for the Red Raiders, flashing some pass-rush ability to go along with being a decent run defender. He will occasionally get swallowed up by blocks in the run game or get bullied in coverage by bigger tight ends. This ranked 148 out of 2188 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/oFgAfAYuEw #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/Iftw1WgnWm. Team sources who like Lloyd say he is big, long and athletic. The 2022 NFL draft will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, with the first round slated for April 28.
