In the 2023 NFL Draft, the linebacker moved up to the 18th pick when Jack Campbell left. Despite cries that the value of the position didn’t match the pick, the Detroit Lions didn’t care.
A first-round linebacker is unlikely to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, with plenty of second-day talent on the roster, some of whom could be assigned to key roles right away. Dew. It remains to be seen how each prospect will perform at the next level, but a realistic outcome is to imagine several long-term starting pitchers emerging from this year’s draft.
SB Nation surveyed several draft analysts to determine the consensus top 10 linebackers for the 2024 NFL Draft.
10. Tyrone Hopper, Missouri
Hopper was very productive at Missouri after transferring to the program from Florida. He totaled 133 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and 5.5 sacks over two seasons with the Tigers. Hopper is instinctive and has the athleticism needed to develop as a three-down linebacker. At the NFL Combine, his lower body explosion was evident through his 36-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-4 broad jump.
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9. Marist Liufo, Notre Dame Cathedral
Liufau combines a high football IQ and positional instincts with closing speed and versatility. The Fighting Irish’s renowned head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden trusted Liufau to play the “Mike” position on defense. Liufau scored the downhill with determination.He was also active in the coverage of notre dame cathedral, 4 total passes defensed and 1 interception. His open field athleticism and overall strength of play coming off blocks are a concern.
8. Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
Wallace is one of the more athletic linebackers in the class. The Georgia native ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, the third-fastest time among linebackers in attendance. Wallace also placed second in the vertical jump (37.5 inches) and broad jump (10 feet 7) drills. On the field, Wallace made huge strides this past season, setting career highs in tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5.0). Although Wallace has a tendency to over-pursue, the fundamental traits of a high-level starter are present.
7. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
Eichenberg, the unsung leader of the Buckeyes’ defense, twice served as team captain on the road. Ohio. A highly productive run defender, Eichenberg accumulated 256 tackles as a three-year primary starter. Eichenberg performed good agility drills at the combine using a 4.24 shuttle and his 7.02 3-cone, but his overall athleticism, change of direction ability, and man coverage skills were weaknesses on tape. .
6. Edejuan Urofosio, Washington
There was a wide range of opinions about Urofosio, ranking it from 3rd to 11th in our poll. The former Husky won the NFL Combine by placing first among all linebackers in vertical jump (39.5 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches).Urofosio was undoubtedly the most important defender in the match. washington huskies The program ranked second on the team in tackles (94) and advanced to the national championship.
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5. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Trotter’s vote was divided. He received one vote for fourth place, but another vote dropped him to 13th place. Trotter is today’s linebacker, with good instincts and production (192 career tackles), but is in the 10th percentile for height (6-0) and 11th percentile for weight (228 pounds). mock draft availableis a cause for concern when it comes to removing blocks at the next level.
4. Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Gray received one second-place vote, but all other voters placed him fourth or lower. Gray was extremely productive as a second-level defender for the Tar Heels, recording over 100 tackles in three consecutive seasons. Gray has the range from sideline to sideline and the speed needed to cover large amounts of grass at short notice.
3. Peyton Wilson, North Carolina
Wilson received the most second-place votes of any linebacker, but finished third overall due to low rankings in other votes. Wilson has had numerous injuries in the past, including his season-ending shoulder injury in 2021, so his medical will be crucial in determining his stock come draft weekend. Wilson was fully healthy and productive in 2023, recording a career-high 138 tackles.
His athletic ability was also on display at the NFL Combine. Wilson finished 40th (4.43), ranking first in his position group. Wilson has the potential to be an All-Pro if he stays healthy.
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Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images
2. Junior Colson, Michigan
All of Colson’s votes fell between 2 and 4, allowing Colson to overtake Wilson. Colson is one of the most agile and quick linebackers in the class. He has a legitimate chance to be the starting linebacker in the draft. Colson’s reporting acumen is outstanding. NFL defensive coordinators will likely rest easy while deploying Colson in man coverage and zone coverage schemes. With his athleticism, Colson should be able to develop into a three-linebacker.
1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Cooper finished as the unanimous top linebacker. Cooper is a smooth operator and an easy mover with the length and explosiveness needed to make sideline-to-sideline plays. Cooper’s 34-inch arms allow him to pile up blocks and take out opponents who try to block him with relative ease. Cooper brings downhill with an aggressive and violent mindset. In coverage, Cooper uses his smarts and athleticism to play as a midfield defender.
Cooper should be drafted in the late first round or the low 30s of the second round.
