The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 linebackers in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia, 6-1, 243
Edge or off-ball linebacker? Tweener or hybrid? Let’s say playmaker shot out of a cannon, with 11.5 sacks over 2023-24. Natural blitzer. Quarterback spy. Future captain. Butkus Award (NCAA’s top linebacker) winner. Better pass rushing than covering slots, but he’s done it all.
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, 6-3, 235
Packages speed, physicality and coverage instincts. Sideline-to-sideline range seen in his 117 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles last season. Hard for ball carriers to slip through his long arms. Freestyles too much when plays break down. Underwent shoulder surgery in March.
3. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, 6-2, 242
One-year wonder? Led NCAA with 90 solo tackles last season because of instincts and range, after just 19 in first 26 career games. Former walk-on earned his stripes on special teams. Master of play recognition. Trustworthy in zone coverage. Not a thumper.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
