2025 NFL Draft: LB Rankings (Preseason Edition)

The NFL has devalued off-ball linebackers in recent history but organizations who invest in the position wisely have been rewarded with great dividends. All Access Football previews the Class of 2025.

Ric Serritella

Jul 17, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XI | 2025 NFL Draft LB Preview

In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:

Top 30 LB Prospects For 2025 NFL Draft
Evolution of LB Position By Decade
Latest Draft Trends
Class of 2025 Has Depth

2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DT | ER

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: LB FIRST ROUND PICKS

The off-ball linebacker spots tend to be the most undervalued positions on the defensive side of the ball. Since 2020, there has been an average of 2.8 off-ball linebackers selected on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. The previous decade (2010 - 2019) saw an average of 3.4 off-ball backers drafted in the first round on average. Despite modest demand, the staple of a solid defense is still owning a menacing middle linebacker.

One organization that has proven to invest in the linebacker position is the Baltimore Ravens. Dating back to their Super Bowl glory years with Ray Lewis, to modern day times with Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen manning the linebacker spots; all of whom were first round selections.

Looking for the sweet spot? The third round seems to be a good landing spot for finding tremendous value at the linebacker position. All Pro players such as Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, Quincy Williams of the New York Jets and Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, were all drafted in round three.

Meanwhile, some of the best finds in recent drafts include Indianapolis Colts rising star Zaire Franklin, who was taken in the seventh round out of Syracuse in 2018 and Florida Atlantic 2019 undrafted free agent gem Azeez Al-Shaair, who earned a three-year, $34M contract with the Houston Texans after racking up 163 tackles in 2023.

The linebacker position is one that NFL teams can truly find excellent value on all three days of the draft and produces more late-round finds than most other positions. Now, we turn our attention to the Class of 2025.

2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: LB

There have been a total of four off-ball linebackers chosen during the last three NFL Drafts. The simple reality is that they are usually inferior athletes as compared to the more valued positions on defense. Gone are the days of downhill, plug-the-gap thumpers. Today, the NFL is full of body types that could be mistaken for safeties. Players are leaner, quicker and are able to cover more ground.

Few are faster to close on the football than Barrett Carter of Clemson. He also possesses the athleticism and ability to cover, bringing versatility to the position. Over the past two seasons as starter for the Tigers, Carter has amassed 135 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 16 pass deflections and three interceptions.

Oklahoma received fortunate news when their dynamic linebacker duo of Danny Stutsman and Dasan McCullough announced their return to Norman. A three-year starter, Stutsman brings leadership, accountability and toughness, something he attributes credit to the mentorship of former Sooners legend Brian Bosowrth. For McCullogh, he battled through a pair of knee injuries late in the season, prompting him to return to the laboratory, as both players look to increase their draft stock.

Under the radar Wisconsin prospect John Pius transferred up from William & Mary after registering 40.5 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks in parts of four seasons for the Tribe. If he can prove himself at the FBS-level, it’s possible to see him creep up into top-100 overall status.

Barrett Carter, Clemson, Sr, 5117, 233, 4.45
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, Sr, 6026, 225, 4.55
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, Sr, 6040, 240, 4.62
Dasan McCullough, Oklahoma, Jr, 6042, 227, 4.60
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky, Sr, 6010, 250, 4.70
Jaishawn Barham, Michigan, Jr, 6024, 250, 4.63
Jay Higgins, Iowa, rSr, 6003, 227, 4.85 (photo: Iowa)
Deontae Lawson, Alabama, rJr, 6020, 230, 4.55
Jack Kiser, Notre Dame, rSr, 6011, 230, 4.60
Lander Barton, Utah, 6032, 242, 4.58
Ben Bywater, BYU, rSr, 6024, 232, 4.64
Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State, Sr, 6021, 235, 4.64
Kobe King, Penn State, rJr, 6006, 240, 4.69
Cody Simon, Ohio State, rSr, 6020, 238, 4.52
Jason Henderson, Old Dominion, Sr, 6010, 225, 4.70
Karene Reid, Utah, Sr, 6000, 227, 4.65
Cal Haladay, Michigan State, rSr, 6002, 242, 4.65
Eugene Asante, Auburn, rSr, 6006, 220, 4.60
Nick Jackson, Iowa, rSr, 6010, 235, 4.80
John Pius, Wisconsin, Sr, 6020, 235, 4.70
Xavian Sorey, Arkansas, rJr, 6030, 214, 4.50
Mohamed Toure, Rutgers, rSr, 6007, 240, 4.59
Jestin Jacobs, Oregon, rJr, 6030, 237, 4.68
DeShawn Pace, UCF, rSr, 6020, 215, 4.50
Ty Wise, Miami-Ohio, rSr, 6020, 226, 4.50
Nickolas Martin, Oklahoma State, rJr, 5116, 215, 4.59
Power Echols, North Carolina, Sr, 5115, 225, 4.64
Stefon Thompson, Nebraska, rJo, 5117, 250, 4.80
Jacob Mangum-Farrar, Indiana, rSr, 6025, 241, 4.65
Jacob Dobbs, James Madison, rSr, 5112, 237, 4.65

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY ZOOM ROOM NETWORK

The All Access Football Zoom Room Network is a new feature starting in July. On the last Friday of every month, AAF founder Ric Serritella will host a Zoom Room predicated around the business of football. Our goal is to gather like-minded individuals who work in football, or aspire to break into the industry. Each session will feature special guests, roundtable discussions and an ‘Ask Me Anything’ portion, dedicated to help guide you towards your career ambitions and future goals.

Our first AAF Football Friday Zoom Room will be held on July 26th at 9:00pm eastern time. This feature will be available to AAF ‘Premium Subscribers’ only. It’s our way of giving back, as you continue to help us grow the number one independent football newsletter on the planet. We look forward to seeing you there! Click Here To Get With The Program

GRID CAMPS PRO FREE AGENT SHOWCASE | 7.21.24

The next GRID CAMPS Showcase for pro football free agents is scheduled for July 21, 2024 in Philadelphia. All Access Football founder and Edmonton Elks scout Ric Serritella will be in attendance to help oversee testing and evaluate players. The workout will be conducted by Memphis Showboats head coach John DeFilippo and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Eugene Chung. To be eligible for this event, you must register at: www.GRIDCAMPS.com.

LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE

Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.