Post’s Ryan Dunleavy will provide the top 10 linebacker in this year’s NFL Draft, based on his ratings and conversations with people in the league.
1. Jaron Walker, Georgia, 6-1, 243
Edge or off-ball linebacker? Tweener or Hybrid? Let’s say the playmaker fires it from a cannon. With 11.5 bags over 2023-24. Natural Blitzer. Quarterback spy. Future captain. Winner of the Butkus Award (NCAA top linebacker). Pass rushing is better than covering the slot, but he did it all.
2. Jihad Campbell, Alabama, 6-3, 235
Package speed, physicality, coverage instincts. Sideline-to-sideline range seen last season with his 117 tackles, five bags and two forced fumbles. It’s difficult for a ball carrier to slip through his long arms. When the play breaks down, there are too many freestyles. I had shoulder surgery in March.
3. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, 6-2, 242
A year of wonder? The NCAA led with 90 solo tackles last season due to instinct and range after just 19 in their first 26 career games. The former Walk-on won the stripes on a special team. Master of play. Reliable with zone coverage. It’s not a thumper.
