This year’s linebacker class lacks a true first-round-caliber player. Guys like Payton Wilson, Junior Colson and Edgerrin Cooper could all be LB1, depending on what teams are looking for. Overall, it is a weaker linebacker class with limited starting potential.
Here are the top linebackers in the class.
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1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 30
Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. LB EDGERRIN COOPER, TEXAS A&M
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 59
Cooper has the length and athleticism to be a starting-caliber linebacker in the NFL in a downhill role. However, his lack of anticipation and instincts for deeper coverage work will likely keep him from being picked in the first round.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. LB JUNIOR COLSON, MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 71
Colson's background and journey to this point are inspiring. He has the size and football IQ to play in the NFL. He is a good but not great athlete, which will likely make him a Day 2 pick as a rotational 4-3 linebacker with starting potential.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. LB JEREMIAH TROTTER JR., CLEMSON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 96
Trotter is an incredibly smart linebacker who consistently puts himself in the right positions. However, his lack of length, size and explosiveness limit his NFL potential.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. LB TOMMY EICHENBERG, OHIO STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 127
Eichenberg is a strong-side linebacker who can find work in an early-down role as a MIKE/SAM, specifically in a 4-3 defense. However, due to his lack of lateral mobility, you won't want him operating in coverage in late-down, sub-package situations.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. LB Jordan Magee, Temple
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 133
Magee approaches the middle linebacker position like he is the quarterback of the defense (he played QB in high school). He is fast and tough, and he communicates well. However, he is on the smaller side in height, weight and length, which could limit full-time opportunities.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. LB MARIST LIUFAU, NOTRE DAME
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 138
Liufau is a powerful downhill linebacker who attacks ball carriers and blockers with bad intentions. His instincts and feel for spot zone coverage still need work if he is to be relied upon consistently. He is projected as a contributing inside linebacker for either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. LB CEDRIC GRAY, NORTH CAROLINA
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 150
Gray is an adequate athlete for WILL linebacker responsibilities, but his play recognition must improve to become an NFL starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 168
Wallace is a top-tier athlete for the position, but he must improve his anticipation and recognition in order to truly be a difference-maker with his physical gifts.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 175
Bertrand is a tough, smart and competitive prospect, albeit undersized, who projects as a rotational/backup inside linebacker for 4-3 or 3-4 schemes.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
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