2024 NFL Draft Bible: Linebackers

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RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION

1. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State, 6-4, 233, 4.43, Rd1

From a pure talent perspective, Wilson is arguably the top defensive prospect in this year's draft. Viewed as a MIKE or WILL, much like his mentor Luke Kuechly, the Wolfpack team captain is relentless in pursuit of the ball carrier and made clutch plays all season. Wilson finished the year with 138 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one touchdown. His aggressiveness and ability to shed blocks could be traced back to his high school background.

“I tell people all the time, I argue with so many guys because they wanna talk about basketball, this and that, but wrestling instills a lot into you," Wilson stated at the combine. "When it comes to football itself, hand fighting, I think if I can get my hands on you, you’re coming to the ground. I understand leverage and torque, but wrestling is different. In football, if you mess up, you have 10 other guys to help you out, but wrestling, you mess up, you’re going on top of your head and you’re getting embarrassed in front of your mom, your dad, your friends and so just that mentality and anger and aggression that it instills with you is just. I’ve been wrestling since I was four, so, you know.”

2. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M, 6-2, 230, 4.51, Rd2

A versatile backer who can play multiple spots, Cooper does a nice job setting the edge against the run but also took on a new role moonlighting as a pass-rusher this past season for the Aggies, tallying 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Cooper checks off all the boxes with his size, quickness, instincts and football IQ. His leadership skills have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. 

"I bring in accountability and build relationships with my teammates and know that if all of my teammates, all of us are on one page, we have one mission, we’ll be able to complete it together. I like to bring everything to the table as well."

3. Junior Colson, Michigan, 6-2, 238, 4.58, Rd2

In many ways, Colson fits the mold of what the Patriots currently have on the roster at linebacker. A surefire open-field tackler, Colson takes precise angles and brings significant experience with nearly 2,000 collegiate snaps under his belt. You will be hard-pressed to find a tougher player both on and off the field, as Colson has overcome plenty of hardship from his escape to Haiti, journey to Ann Arbor and path to the NFL.

“I survived an earthquake, I survived both my parents passing away, I don’t think there’s anything that somebody can throw at me that I’m not ready for or expecting.”