10 Linebackers Dominating the 2025 NFL Draft Rankings
The 2025 NFL Draft is stacked with linebackers who read offenses confidently, close space quickly, and prove they can rush the passer and drop into coverage without missing a beat. This group is showing everyone how versatile and complete the modern linebacker needs to be.
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
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Jihaad Campbell sees the game two seconds faster than everyone else. At 6’3 “, 244 pounds, he was the engine of Alabama’s defense in 2024 who stacked up 117 tackles and ensured his presence was felt at all three levels. He was once an edge rusher, but sharpened into a complete defender under Nick Saban.
Jalon Walker, Georgia
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There’s a certain chaos quarterbacks dread, and it often starts right where Jalon Walker lines up. He brought a unique spark to Georgia’s defense in 2024 by racking up 60 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks without even locking down a full-time starting role.
Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
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Experience follows Demetrius Knight Jr. onto the field like a second shadow. After stops at Georgia Tech, Charlotte, and South Carolina, he turned his 2024 season into a statement: 82 tackles, 8 for loss, two sacks, and a pick—all while anchoring a Gamecocks defense with maturity and poise.
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
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In 2024, Carson Schwesinger led the country with 90 solo stops, piled up 136 total tackles, and sprinkled in 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and a couple of picks to ensure offenses remembered him. His 39.5-inch vertical isn’t a fluke, nor is his understanding of the game—he’s got a bioengineering degree to go with his Butkus Award finalist nod.
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
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Chris Paul Jr., better known as “Pooh,” plays the linebacker position like he has somewhere to be. At 6’1″ and 222 pounds, he makes up for what he gives up in size with pure speed and sharp instincts. At the Combine, he clocked a 4.63 in the 40 and launched a 36-inch vertical—both clear indicators of his capability.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
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Danny Stutsman has been a mainstay in the Oklahoma defense for what feels like forever, and that consistency shows up in the numbers. In addition to 376 total tackles over 47 games, he added another 110 stops to his resume in 2024, along with 7.5 tackles for loss.
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
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Jeffrey Bassa sprinted into his new role. He was originally a safety, and brought that same coverage savvy and sideline speed with him as he bulked up into a 232-pound linebacker. Oregon found plenty of ways to use him in 2024, and he delivered with a pair of forced fumbles, 54 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.
Barrett Carter, Clemson
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Over four seasons at Clemson, Barrett Carter built a resume that reads like a defensive coordinator’s dream: 233 tackles, 33 for loss, 12.5 sacks, 21 pass breakups, and three interceptions across 52 games. Speed was never in question, and Carter confirmed that with a 4.41-second 40 at the Combine, paired with a 34.5-inch vertical.
Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
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Jack Kiser’s ability to sniff out plays and meet runners with clean, technical tackles makes him the kind of guy coaches trust in tight situations. During his six seasons at Notre Dame, he became the program’s backbone and suited up for a record-setting 70 games.
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
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Georgia’s defense thrived on speed and aggression in 2024, and across 10 games, Smael Mondon Jr. delivered both with 57 tackles, three sacks, and a handful of pass breakups. His frame and burst give him a rare closing ability, and while he’s still refining the finer points of positioning and block shedding, the upside is clear.
Kobe King, Penn State
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Kobe King held down the middle for Penn State’s defense in 2024 with the kind of stability that every team needs. He’s 6’1″ and 248 pounds, and brings a solid frame with sharp instincts to the table.
Shemar James, Florida
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Florida’s defense had plenty of athletes in 2024, but few matched the all-around impact of Shemar James. In 13 games, he filled up the stat sheet with 64 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. He’s quick laterally, has a knack for reading plays in space, and closes gaps with urgency.
Cody Simon, Ohio State
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Pressure only sharpens Cody Simon more. In 2024, Ohio State’s defense needed a steady presence, and he delivered with 112 tackles, seven sacks, and a forced fumble across 13 games. He capped the year by earning Defensive MVP honors in both the Rose Bowl and the national title game.
Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
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Minnesota’s 2024 season leaned on Cody Lindenberg’s steady hand, and he was up to the task with 94 tackles, 5 for loss, a sack, a pick, and six pass breakups. His 4.78-second 40 and 20 bench reps at the Combine checked the boxes.
Jay Higgins, Iowa
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With 320 career tackles, Jay Higgins showed that instincts and preparation can win just as often as raw speed. In 2024 alone, he posted 123 tackles, picked off four passes, and broke up five more, turning heads with his awareness as much as his numbers. By season’s end, he was crowned Big Ten Linebacker of the Year.
