The off-ball linebacker class of this year’s class is not a strong suit in the 2025 NFL Draft, but offers high-end prospects to hear the name being called in the first two days. The overall depth of position this year is pretty thin, so if your team wants to strengthen their linebacker squad, it’s better to deal with it early.
A group of SB Nation draft analysts from 32 NFL team communities ranked top LBs in the draft. This top 10 are the results of these cumulative rankings.
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He also won top 10 votes: Kobe King (Pennsylvania), Hammon Dumas Johnson (Kentucky)
10. Cody Simon, Ohio
Simon used it as a Buckeye last year. The team’s captain watched 112 tackles, including 12.5 TFL and seven bags. He is a college football player of the season, which seemed to be clicking on things for him this season. His ability to diagnose plays and reach football was key in the Ohio playoff runs.
9. Jack Kaiser, Notre Dame
Kiser is a sixth-year senior and scored 70 games for Fighting Ireland. His athleticism leaves something that is desired, but his experience and football IQ help him make up for it. Probably only NFL level 2 down LB and special contributors.
8. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
Mondon may have a boom or bust. He needs time to develop and put it all together at the NFL level. He is a top 30 five-star recruit coming out of high school, and has a pedigree that will emerge as the ultimate starter if he can handle the game at NFL speed.
7. Danny Statzman, Oklahoma
A ton of tacklers in the inner linebacker position have been in three consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles. Stutsman is your prototype inside box downhill defender. He finishes the job with excellent play recognition and dropouts.
6. Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi
“Pooh” is perfect as an external linebacker for a scheme that doesn’t ask you to play much of one-on-one coverage. Paul Jr. is a sure-fire tackler, showing good bursts to get closer to the ball carrier and has the trick to finding the right runfit.
5. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
Bassa is a three-down linebacker who played in Oregon but has the athletic ability to play outside in the NFL. Bassa is perfect for the linebacker mold on the weak side of the New Age, offering competent coverage skills and juice as a blitzer.
4. Barrett Carter, Clemson
Carter has a strong sense of the game in his linebacker position, and his athletic traits turn from side to side 3 down player. Carter is at his best when his agility and speed are allowed to shine as an electric blitzer or QB spy.
3. Demetrius Night, South Carolina
Knight tied with Carson Schwessinger in the most number two vote, but was barely kicked out. Knight has a large frame that you use to unleash violent hits against your opponent. Made to suit the actions inside the box, his aggression and willingness to fight through traffic are perfect for teams that need an internal LB.
2. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
His previous walk-on became a national at UCLA in his fourth year. Schwesinger is a fierce supporter who is proficient in zone and human coverage. He should find the field early on as a starting LB, but otherwise he has experience as an ace of a special team.
1. Jihad Campbell, Alabama
Campbell was the unanimous top player for off-ball linebackers. The previous top 15 recruits have the best recruits with passersby and with coverage that allows them to take over a 6’3-inch frame and excellent athleticism to take over. His special skill set will see him land in the first round of the NFL Draft.
