2025 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

The linebacker class provides more questions than it does answers.

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2025 NFL DRAFT BIBLE – LINEBACKERS

Remarkably, there were zero ‘off-ball’ linebackers selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After spanning NFL archives that date back to 1946, this was a first in the history of the NFL Draft. It certainly speaks to the way that the linebacker position has been devalued in 2025.

Our consensus top linebacker for this year’s draft is Jalon Walker of Georgia. However, it comes with a caveat, as some talent evaluators do view Walker more as an edge rusher, than they do linebacker. This is most likely due to the effectiveness he flashed when utilized in such a role, as he possesses excellent athleticism and is quick to locate the ball. If you look beyond the alluring skill-set to get after the quarterback, you will see a high-motor linebacker capable of developing into a swarming sideline-to-sideline presence in the middle of the field. Expect to hear Walker have his name called during Day 1 of the draft weekend.

We can’t say for sure if the same fate holds true for Jihaad Campbell of Alabama. Our number two rated linebacker might just be the best in the class. Unfortunately, Campbell had to undergo surgery to repair a torn left labrum following the NFL Scouting Combine. Such an injury could take six months, to one year, to fully heal, which could mean a rookie redshirt year for the New Jersey native. Similarly, some observers also liked Campbell due to his pass-rush prowess but a shoulder injury could severely impact his ability to execute on the edge. He was one of the big winners in Indianapolis and was trending towards being a first round pick. The latest medical condition has now created a sense of uncertainty in terms of his draft stock.

One of the best kept secrets in this year’s draft would be explosive Cal linebacker Teddye Buchannan (photo: NFL). A relatively unknown prior to this season, Buchanan starred in the FCS ranks at UC-Davis for four seasons before taking his talents to Berkeley. This is a hair-on-fire type backer who is able to cover an immense amount of ground and constantly shows up on film. While we don’t anticipate him going on Day 1, it would appear that Buchannan has very well played himself into top-50 overall contention.

The media darling of the bunch is no doubt Carson Schwesinger of UCLA and deservedly so. His backstory reads like a Hollywood script. From walk-on, to team captain, it’s hard not to root for such an underdog story. However, it must be pointed out that while many players opt to skip the forty-yard dash portion of the combine in favor of their pro day, Schwesinger opted to skip the all-critical drill twice. His decision to not participate in the forty at the combine and again at his pro day, has suddenly cast a shadow of doubt about his timed-speed.

Several linebackers boosted their stock along the all-star game trails, including Eugene Asante of Auburn, who appeared to be the top linebacker in attendance at the Senior Bowl. This is an alpha dog who is loud and proud, makes a bunch of plays and then lets you know about it. You may remember his older brother Larry Asante, who was chosen in the fifth round of the 2010 draft (Browns) and played six seasons in the NFL.

Other players in Mobile who stood out were athletic, agile Barrett Carter of Clemson, special teams standout Jack Kiser of Notre Dame and an emerging prospect in Demetrius Knight Jr. of South Carolina. All three of which project as players who are ready to contribute immediately.

2025 LINEBACKER BIG BOARD

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | HAND | ARM | WING | 40 (10-YD), MPH | VERT | BROAD | SHUTTLE | 3-CONE | PROJ

1. Jalon Walker, Georgia, 6010, 243, 1028, 3258, 7900, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, Rd1* (photo: Georgia Athletics)

2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, 6027, 235, 1048, 3248, 8000, 4.52 (1.53), 22.62, n/a, n/a, 10-07, n/a, n/a, Rd2*

3. Teddye Buchanan, California, 6020, 235, 0948, 3138, 7548, 4.60 (1.59), 21.80, 26, 40”, 10-05, 4.27, 7.24, Rd2

4. Eugene Asante, Auburn, 6007, 218, 0828, 3028, 7348, 4.48 (1.52), 22.54, 21, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, Rd2

5. Barrett Carter, Clemson, 6001, 232, 0900, 3238, 7800, 4.63 (1.59), 22, 34.5”, 9-8, 4.41, n/a, Rd3

6. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, 6024, 242, 0928, 3158, 7748, n/a, 20, 39.5”, n/a, n/a, Rd3*

7. Cody Simon, Ohio State, 6015, 232, 1000, 3168, 7578, 4.59 (1.54), 21, 33.5”, 10-00, 4.30, 7.19, Rd3

8. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, 6023, 229, 0968, 3218, 8018, 4.58 (1.52), 21.79, 25, 10-10, n/a, n/a, Rd3

9. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina, 6015, 236, 1000, 3258, 8138, 4.58 (1.58), 22.76, 22, 31.5”, 9-10, 4.25, 7.12, Rd3

10. Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi, 6007, 222, 0938, 2978, 7538, 4.63 (1.62), 21.59, n/a, 36”, 9-9, n/a, n/a, Rd4*

11. Jack Kiser, Notre Dame, 6015, 231, 0900, 3038, 7548, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, Rd4

12. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon, 6012, 228, 0958, 3138, 7868, 4.63 (1.59), 22.37, 21, 38.5”, 9-10, n/a, 7.34, Rd4

13. Kain Medrano, UCLA, 6027, 228, 0900, 3258, 7718, 4.46 (1.57), 22.56, n/a, 38”, 10-05, 4.26, 6.96, Rd4

14. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, 6031, 236, 0918, 3258, 7800, 4.52 (1.55), 22.26, 22, 34”, n/a, n/a, Rd5

15. Nick Martin, Oklahoma State, 5114, 221, 0928, 3168, 7838, 4.53 (1.54), 22.34, 26, 38”, 10-03, 4.23, 7.20, Rd5*

16. Shemar James, Florida, 6013, 222, 0848, 3148, 7768, 4.69 (1.56), 21.59, n/a, 32”, 09-09, 4.27, 7.09, Rd5

17. Nick Jackson, Iowa, 6005, 233, 0948, 3138, 7528, 4.65, 16, 34.5”, 09-05, 3.99, 6.89, Rd5

18. Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, 6002, 221, 0938, 3000, 7438, 4.63 (1.53), 25, 35.5”, 10-01, 4.22, 6.93, Rd6

19. Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State, 6016, 240, 0948, 3068, 7618, 4.56 (1.57), 24, 39”, 10-06, n/a, n/a, Rd6

20. Kobe King, Penn State, 6006, 236, 0948, 3128, 7858, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, Rd6

21. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky, 6006, 236, 0968, 3158, 7838, 4.60, 16, 37.5”, 10-06, Rd6

22. Chandler Martin, Memphis, rJr, 5117, 229, 1000, 3178, 7638, 4.54, 17, 37”, 10-06, 4.28, n/a, Rd7

23. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami, 6017, 233, 1028, 3168, 7738, 4.60 (1.56), 21.91, 21, 37”, 10-01, 4.24, 7.15, Rd7

24. Carson Bruener, Washington, 6012, 226, 0948, 3168, 7800, 4.58 (1.57), 22.05, 33.5”, 9-11, 4.24, 6.77, Rd7

25. MJ Sherman, Nebraska, rSr, 6015, 247, 0848, 3168, 7648, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, Rd7

26. Jacob Dobbs, James Madison, 5112, 237, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, na/, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, HPFA

27. Karene Reid, Utah, 6001, 231, 6000, 231, 0918, 3168, 7528, n/a, 17, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, HPFA

28. Jalen McLeod, Auburn, 6016, 240, 0968, 3228, 8000, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, HPFA

29. Jackson Woodard, UNLV, 6020, 234, 0900, 3100, 7758, n/a, 21, 36” n/a, n/a, HPFA

30. Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota, 6022, 236, 0928, 3268, 7800, 4.71, 20, 36.5”, 9-10, 4.32, 7.01, HPFA

31. Ruben Hyppolite, Maryland, 5112, 240, 0928, 3178, 7618, 4.45, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, n/a, HPFA

32. Jay Higgins, Iowa, 6001, 224, 0948, 3100, 7500, 4.82 (1.64), 20.91, 20, 33”, 09-02, 4.14, 7.01, HPFA

33. Dorian Mausi, Auburn, 6010, 231, 0958, 3238, 7978, 4.68 (1.67), 18, 33”, n/a, 4.35, n/a, HPFA

34. Seth Coleman, Illinois, 6034, 246, 0978, 3400, 8228, 4.68 (1.62), 20, 36.5”, 10-03, 4.59, 7.56, HPFA

35. Bam Martin Scott, South Carolina, 6023, 234, 0918, 3200, 7918, 4.63 (1.60), 22.30, 22, 33.5”, 10-02, 4.53, 7.26, HPFA

36. DeShawn Pace, UCF, rSr, 6010, 208, 0948, 3048, 7348, 4.55, 17, 32.5”, 09-09, 4.47, 7.19, PFA

37. Power Echols, North Carolina, 5113, 237, 0918, 3058, 7558, 4.73 (1.59), 22.02, 37”, 09-07, 4.56, 7.60, PFA

38. Tyreem Powell, Rutgers, 6043, 239, 0918, 3468, 8258, 4.92 (1.57), n/a, n/a, n/a, 4.66, n/a, PFA

39. Marlowe Wax, Syracuse, 6000, 227, 0868, 3138, 7718, 4.62 (1.52), 23, 29”, 09-06, 4.29, 6.98, PFA

40. Austin Keys, Auburn, 6022, 229, 0928, 3158, 7778, 4.63 (1.64), 21, 36.5” , 10-04, 4.44, 7.41, PFA

OFFICIAL 2025 NFL DRAFT BIBLE

• Scouting Reports: Detailed evaluations of on draft-eligible prospects, including those from lesser-known small schools.

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• Projections & Rankings: The most accurate NFL Draft projections made available to the public. Over 1,000 players listed for the 2025 & 2026 NFL Draft Classes.

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