2026 NFL Draft Bible: Linebackers

All Access Football counts you down to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with our linebacker big board and scouting reports.

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2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | CB | S | ST

OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: LINEBACKERS

There is major juice behind the momentum of this year’s linebacker class, as the often forgotten off-ball linebacker spot will be hard to ignore due to the freaky specimen provided. Ohio State boasts two of the top players in the entire draft with the linebacker duo of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. Both possess an unheard of combination of size and speed, with production at the highest level to back it up.

Interestingly enough, many have pegged Reese as a pass-rusher, yet remain eerily quiet about his arm length concerns on the edge, as he matches up with near-identical length as Rueben Bain Jr., whose arm length has been questioned during the months leading up to the draft. Meanwhile, Styles is one of the most polished overall prospects eligible and would appear destined to join Reese as a top five overall selection.

Sorting through the ranks can become a bit more complicated after the dynamic Buckeyes duo. Remarkably, Jacob Rodriguez of Texas tech has not received the hype he deserves. A true turnover machine, Rodriguez owns the propensity to alter the complexion of ball games due to his savvy tactics, cerebral awareness and natural play instincts. It’s hard to imagine him not becoming one of the premier talents to emerge from this year’s class.

The same could be said for Kyle Louis of Pittsburgh. Tipping the scales a bit smaller than his counterparts, Louis performed both linebacker and safety drills during his pro day workout and figures to outplay his draft position. Few players are more exciting than Harold Perkins of LSU, whose versatility has NFL teams still deciphering the best way to implement him at the next level.

Others such as SEC linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. of Texas and CJ Allen of Georgia project as next level starters. In fact, the depth of this class is expected to spill well into Day 3 as there is premium value to be had.

Below is the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Linebacker Big Board, along with 45 in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects in the draft. For our expanded big board, including verified measurements, be sure to pickup your copy of the Draft Bible here (now available).

2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | CB | S | ST

OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: LINEBACKERS

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION

1. #Sonny Styles, Ohio State, Rd1

2. #Arvell Reese, Ohio State, Rd1

3. #Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, Rd1

4. #Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh, Rd2

5. #Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, Rd2

6. #Harold Perkins, LSU, Rd2

7. #CJ Allen, Georgia, Rd2

8. #Jake Golday, Cincinnati, Rd3

9. #Aiden Fisher, Indiana, Rd3

10. #Deontae Lawson, Alabama, Rd3

11. #Josiah Trotter, Missouri, Rd4

12. #Xavian Sorey, Arkansas, Rd4

13. #Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, Rd4

14. #Red Murdock, Buffalo, Rd4

15. #Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU, Rd5

16. #Eric Gentry, USC, Rd5

17. #Jack Kelly, BYU, Rd5

18. #Taurean York, Texas A&M, Rd5

19. #Trey Moore, Texas, Rd5

20. #Namdi Obiazor, TCU, Rd6

21. #Wesley Bissainthe, Miami, Rd6

22. #Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma, Rd6

23. #Jimmy Rolder, Michigan, Rd7

24. #Lander Barton, Utah, Rd7

25. Jackson Kuwatch, Miami-Ohio, Rd7

26. #Wade Woodaz, Clemson, HPFA

27. #Keyshaun Elliot, Arizona State, HPFA

28. #Karson Sharar, Iowa, HPFA

29. #Scooby Williams, Texas A&M, HPFA

30. #Owen Heiniecke, Oklahoma, HPFA

31. Erick Hunter, Morgan State, HPFA

32. #Justin Jefferson, Alabama, HPFA

33. Caden Fordham, North Carolina State, HPFA

34. Shad Banks, UTSA, HPFA

35. Langston Patterson, Vanderbilt, HPFA

36. Mani Powell, Purdue, HPFA

37. Jimari Butler, LSU, HPFA

38. Finn Claypool, Fresno State, HPFA

39. Andrew Simpson, North Carolina, HPFA

40. James Jackson, Virginia, HPFA

41. Desmond Purnell, Kansas State, HPFA

42. Jhalyn Shuler, USF, HPFA

43. Shane Whitter, North Texas, HPFA

44. MacArthur Harris III, South Florida, HPFA

45. Dariel Djabome, Rutgers, HPFA

46. West Weeks, LSU, HPFA

47. Jordan Kwiatkowski, Central Michigan, HPFA

48. Sam Brown, USF, HPFA

49. Jaden Dugger, Louisiana, HPFA

50. Jack Dingle, Cincinnati, HPFA

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NFL DRAFT BIBLE LINEBACKER SCOUTING REPORTS

1. STYLES, SONNY | Ohio State | LB | Sr | #6 | Pickerington, OH | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6050 | WT: 244 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3278 | 40-YD: 4.46 (1.56) | VJ: 43.5” | BJ: 11-2 | SHTL: 4.26 | 3C: 7.09

Pro Day: HT: 6050 | WT: 244 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3278 | WS: 8078

Evaluation: Ohio State linebacker and team captain Sonny Styles roams all over the field, showcasing his versatility and ability to cover immense ground sideline-to-sideline. Styles has also demonstrated his ability to rush the passer, or stay in rhythm with running backs, able to track them down with quick closing speed. A reliable open-field tackler, Styles can get skinny and split blocks, constantly showing up around the football. A former safety, he flashes the ability to drop into coverage on pass plays and has great awareness of knowing where the ball is at all times. That is what makes Styles, one of the fastest linebackers in this year’s draft, such a commodity. Some hip stiffness does show up in pass coverage and Styles isn’t necessarily suited to be an effective pass-rusher. Nevertheless, he possesses elite level play instincts and speed, along with superb instincts, making him a blue-chip prospect in a 2026 draft class that lacks premium talent. The very mature Styles was highly impressive during team interviews, as NFL teams were blown away with his pro-ready mindset and preparation, he is the real deal.

Quotable: “It starts with being a versatile linebacker. Think I can play the MIKE, WILL, SAM. Think I can do all three at a high level and I think I’m a very athletic player and it shows up in my game. I think I showed this last year I can be like a true MIKE [linebacker], I showed I can stop the run, showed some physicality this year. On the upside of it, I can be a lot more effective in zone coverages, if I keep working that part of my game, I think I’ve shown I can feel routes, that type of thing. But not a lot of ball disruption, especially this past year. With my athleticism, if I keep working on that, I should be a real threat in zone drops.” – Sonny Styles when asked to give a self-scouting report

Background: Named All-American and All-Big Ten First team (2025) and a four-time scholar athlete. CFP national champion and All-Big Ten Second Team selection (2024). Appeared in 53 games (40 starts) in four seasons at Ohio State. Played safety his first two seasons, including 12 starts in 2023, and switched to linebacker in the spring of 2024. A five-star recruit from Pickerington Central, where he also guided the basketball team to a state championship. His community service efforts involve supporting the Huckelberry House, a non-profit that serves at-risk and homeless youth in central Ohio. The son of Lorenzo Styles Sr., who played for the Buckeyes in 1992-94 before a six-year NFL career (Super Bowl XXXIV champion with Rams). His mother is Laverna Styles, also an Ohio State graduate; older brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., transferred to Ohio State from Notre Dame this year and is also draft-eligible. Has two sisters: Sydney and Tonia Brown.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, made 82 tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, three pass deflections, one interception. In 53 career games, made 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, nine pass deflections, one interception.

Q: What went into your decision to switch from safety to linebacker?

A: “As I kind of look back on it, I remember when I made the decision during my junior year. I’m glad I did it. At the time I was doing it I was trying to help the team, that was the best spot for us to win and I felt it was a spot I could do well in, but most importantly help the team. In the long run it worked out and I’m glad it did it.”

Q: What do you consider to be your best trait?

A: “I think I would say versatility, I think I would say that the great defenses you look at there’s at least two, or three guys who can play a multitude of roles, like for example this year for the Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori was a versatile player and when you have guys like that on your defense, you’re able to do a lot of different things as a coordinator.”

Q: Who is one player we should keep an eye on from Ohio State for next year’s NFL Draft?

A: “I would say, first, I would say Payton Pierce, he’s a very smart guy, very physical, he showed his physicality from the jump as soon as he got here as a freshman. He’s very comfortable in terms of in the box, he was so used to it coming out of Texas, I think he’s gotten more comfortable and think he’s going to take a huge step this year.”

2. REESE, ARVELL | Ohio State | LB | Jr | #8 | Cleveland, OH | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6041 | WT: 241 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3248 | 40-YD: 4.46 (1.58)

Pro Day: HT: 6041 | WT: 241 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3248 | WS: 7948

Evaluation: As an unheralded prospect heading into the 2025 season, Reese was one of the biggest money makers this season due to an All-World performance as a first-year starter, flashing explosiveness and physicality. A ferocious force both against the run and defending the pass, Reese is a violent, hard-hitting playmaker with elite athleticism and quickness. One of the most explosive athletes in college football, Reese possesses elite speed and range that allows him to pursue the play from any spot on the field. Despite being a tremendous physical threat, he has shown to have great coverage upside with his fluidity in his movements and his plus reactionary skills. Although he is still developing in this aspect of his game, the physical traits he possesses grant him every opportunity to be a shut down coverage linebacker. However, he is even scarier when presented with the chance to rush the quarterback. Much like recent off-ball linebackers that have flashed greatness when chasing the quarterback such as former Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, the rising Reese looks like someone that could make a full-time transition to that position. Inheriting a rare speed-to-power conversion, the stat sheet stuffer is capable of overwhelming and making offensive lineman look silly with a powerful bull rush. Although he excels in many areas, the young linebacker still has strides to make in rushing the passer and defending the run. Due to limited opportunities, Reese currently carries a predictable and limited pass rush plan (albeit effective), while also occasionally burying his head into the chest of lineman which limits his view of the play. It will be interesting to see where the team that drafts him decides to play him full-time. With the recent trend of physical specimens at linebacker making the transition to edge rusher, the same fate could happen for this projected top ten overall selection.

Background: Appeared in 38 games in three seasons at Ohio State. Strictly played special teams as a freshman in 2023 and was limited to eight games due to a concussion. CFP national champion in 2024 and three-time scholar athlete (2023-25). Consensus All-American, Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and All-Big Ten First Team in 2025. A four-star recruit out of Glenville High School; selected to play in the Army All-American Bowl. Parents are Maeko Walker and Alex Reese. Only did position drills at pro day.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, had 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six and a half sacks, two pass deflections. In 36 career games, had 112 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two pass deflections.

3. RODRIGUEZ, JACOB | Texas Tech | LB | rSr | #10 | Wichita Falls, TX | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6013 | WT: 231 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3078 | 40-YD: 4.57 (1.60) | VJ: 38.5” | BJ: 10-1 | SHTL: 4.19 | 3C: 6.90

Senior Bowl: HT: 6011 | WT: 233 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3128

Evaluation: A fire-starter for the Red Raiders, Rodriguez had a season for the ages, creating an abundance of turnovers on defense, while moonlighting on the other side of the ball and getting involved on the offensive fray. A versatile and athletic linebacker that can erase any offensive threat sideline-to-sideline, Rodriguez served as a dominant force in the middle of the defense. A team captain, the converted quarterback has been able to make a seamless transition into a violent enforcer. Although Rodriguez may lack in stature in comparison to the average NFL linebacker, the former four-sport athlete makes up for his lack of height with an aggressive mindset and excellent athletic profile. Despite an ongoing development of his ability to block shed against bigger lineman, the stat-sheet stuffer has proven that his endless motor will openly present opportunities for him to make plays around the football. The athleticism of Rodriguez also grants him the ability to match up and shadow tight ends and even some slot receivers. However, there are times that his inexperience at the position shows with his lack of discipline when filling running lanes. Occasionally, Rodriguez will get overly aggressive when trying to make a play which will result in him over-pursuing or taking a bad angle. Despite this coachable flaw, the captain of the Red Raiders has been an effective and productive presence since the moment he switched to the defensive side of the ball. His size may create some pause for NFL scouts, but the tackling machine will offer a high upside for an NFL organization willing to develop him. The man known as ‘J-Rod’ carries a draft grade that fluctuates, depending on which NFL team you survey, ranges from Day 1-to-Day 3. However, this is a high impact, Day 1 prospect in our view.

Quotable: “I was a scholarship player at the University of Virginia and then walked on at Texas Tech. How far have I come, I went from one-year removed from high school, where I feel like I was a decently high recruited guy to now, I’m a walk-on three hours from home. The hardest is I’m trying to make the team. There’s no NIL but I was just trying to make the team. I was just trying not to be cut. I’m in there doing two workouts sometimes. I’m in there doing everything I can just to make the team. That was probably the hardest part, seeing where I was at a year ago to where I was at that point.” – Jacob Rodriguez on his journey to walk-on to the Texas Tech football team

Background: Played in 12 games at Virginia as a freshman (2021) at quarterback and ‘football player.’ Had 158 special teams snaps in 2022 at Texas Tech. Voted as a member of the team’s captain circle in 2023 but a mid-foot sprain limited him to five games. He started 26 games during his final two seasons in 2024-25, appearing in 56 total games. Named unanimous All-American; Won the Chuck Bednarik, Lombardi, Bronco Nagurski, Pony Express and Butkus awards and finished fifth in the Heisman race in 2025–his seven forced fumbles tied a single-season NCAA record. A two-time All Big 12 First Team selection (2024-25). Earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Texas Tech in December of 2024; enrolled in post-baccalaureate courses at Texas Tech. A four-star recruit out of Rider High School, where he was a four-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball and track). The son of Joe and Ann Rodriguez; both parents graduated from Mankato State University, younger brother of Katie, Nicole, Joshua, and Jeremiah. Married his wife, Emma, in July 2023 in Houston; wife is currently a helicopter pilot on active duty in the U.S. Army. Career goal is to join the coaching profession following the completion of his playing time.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, had 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one touchdown, six pass deflections, four interceptions. In 56 career games, had 317 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 13 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, 12 pass deflections, six interceptions; ran 12 times, 59 yards (4.9 average), two touchdowns.

Q: Where did you learn to master the ‘Peanut Punch’ and create so many turnovers?

A: “A lot of it has to do with practice and preparation. I think there has to be a purpose to taking the ball away. Everything you do should be about taking the ball away. You shouldn’t want to be on your heels as a defense. You should be able to attack and try and take that ball away. I actually got to meet Charles Tillman this past week where I was training. It was a huge blessing to get to meet him and hear some of his knowledge that he wanted to extend to me.

Q: What was it like to be invited to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist?

A: “It was great. Shoot, I was an off-ball linebacker that got first place votes in the Heisman race. I don’t know how much you can complain about that. I thought it was great. I wasn’t there in New York but I thought it was amazing for everybody who did vote for me and I feel great about it. No extra motivation from that but shoot, there’s no need for extra motivation. Last season was fun and I’m happy that I did as well as I did but I’m looking forward to starting my NFL career.”

Q: How has your wife Emma (an Army helicopter pilot) influenced you?

A: “The way she prepares in life and everything she does for me, our relationship is rock solid. I really appreciate her and she motivates me so much with everything that she does and everything she means to me. I wouldn’t be here without her. She’s great and she’s so high performing in her own right, I think it helps us because she understands how much work you have to put in...I think we have a mutual respect for each other on that end because she’s so high performing and she has to do things the right way and prepare the right way, so we can definitely see each other and understand.”

4. LOUIS, KYLE | Pittsburgh | LB | rJr | #9 | East Orange, NJ | Day 1

Combine: HT: 5117 | WT: 220 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3118 | 40-YD: 4.53 (1.58) | VJ: 39.5” | BJ: 10-9 | SHTL: 4.26 | 3C: 6.97

Senior Bowl: HT: 5116 | WT: 224 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3200

Evaluation: An absolute heat-seeking missile at linebacker, Louis bursts onto the scene as quickly as he does out of his initial stance. One of the fastest linebackers in the draft, Louis is able to make plays all over the field due to his ability to erase any area between the ball carrier and himself in a flash. The stud tackler has showcased that he can do everything for a defense. He is a tenacious blitzer from his off-ball linebacker spot where he. Although he is too small to ever project as a full time edge rusher, the stat-sheet stuffer possesses a violent first step that allows him to gain an advantage against offensive lineman on schemed pressures. Despite being good at rushing the passer, Louis has proven to be effective in coverage with his extensive range and understanding to play deeper zones. Although he is a jack-of-all-trades type of player, the defensive sparkplug has demonstrated his knack for making game-changing plays, declaring he can find his path to the football and make plays in high leverage moments. The concern regarding the Panthers’ superstar pertains to his size. Louis may be considered too undersized by some teams to be an effective three-down linebacker at the next level. Instead, his projection could involve placing him in the “star” position where coordinators can take advantage of his playmaking ability and versatility by moving him around the defense. A top talent in our book, NFL decision-makers could be a little lower on Louis than we are. He stated a strong case with another spectacular showing at the Senior Bowl. The franchise willing to overlook his lack of height/length could be rewarded handsomely with a consistent highlight-reel prospect.

Quotable: “He’s got great instincts. Every linebacker you ever look at, you’ve got to talk about instincts first. You can be elite athletically like he is — he’s athletic, he can run, he can hit, he can tackle, he’s a playmaker. He’s going to make the play. He’s got that heart and desire to go get the football because there’s only one football at a time on the field. He finds the football but it comes down to his instincts. He’s got linebacker instincts to play at the next level and be a first-rounder.” — Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi on Kyle Louis

Background: Senior Bowl participant. Appeared in 37 games in four seasons at Pitt. Named All-ACC Second Team in 2025; All-American First Team and All-ACC First Team in 2024. A tone-setter and well-respected locker room figure. Majored in communications. A three-star recruit out of East Orange High School. The son of Kesha Chisolms and Galy Louis, has two brothers.

Stats: Played 11 games in 2025 had 81 tackles, eight and a half tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three pass deflections, two interceptions. In 37 career games, had 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six pass deflections, six interceptions, one touchdown.

Q: Do you think NFL teams view you as a linebacker or safety?

A: “I got a good opportunity to play a position called ‘Star,’ it’s not a position for everybody. It’s not a position for pure linebackers, or pure defensive backs. You really just got to be a mix of both of it. So I feel like the position was perfectly tailored for me…just learning the system, more and more experience in our (scheme), staying in Pitt the whole time and trusting the system, it helped me grow as a player exponentially.”

Q: How was your Senior Bowl experience?

A: “I took a lot of pride in it because people are going to watch my senior bowl and say,.. well, they can’t say they don’t know who I am before, or they want to say I was just a Senior Bowl standout but you look at my Senior Bowl and you look at my season tape, you’re going to see that I’ve been doing this and I’ve been making plays and I’m going to continue to make plays and I’m going to keep getting my name out there.”

Q: What do you consider to be your best attribute?

A: “My best instincts are coverage and I’m just a film junkie, so I jump plays and I cheat a lot of plays, just so I could jump it. I see it coming, I’m going to make a play. I’m trying to be a ball-player, I’m trying to get the ball by any means.”

5. HILL JR., ANTHONY | Texas | LB | Jr | #0 | Denton, TX | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6020 | WT: 238 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3238 | 40-YD: 4.51 (1.58) | VJ: 37” | BJ: 10-5

Evaluation: Known for his versatility, Hill Jr. began as a pass-rush specialist during his first season in the burnt orange before shifting to a permanent off-ball linebacker role as a sophomore. However, he has still been deployed as a situational pass-rusher at times and has shown a natural knack for getting after the quarterback. A patient yet aggressive backer, Hill Jr. is a physical pass-rusher who pounces with great timing and anticipation, showcasing his ability to get after the quarterback. He grew into his leadership role in Austin, wearing the ‘green dot’ helmet the past two seasons as the defensive play-caller. In fact, Hill Jr. dots the field, covering more ground than Toto. The Kansas native possesses prototype size, along with tremendous speed, quickness and instincts. While he was asked to drop in coverage quite a bit for the Longhorns, he does need to tighten up his pass defense, as he allowed completions on 71% of passes targeted his direction in 2025. Despite his flaws, Hill Jr is a do-it-all, three-down linebacker who brings a pro mentality and is a ready-made, plug-and-play Day 1 starter.

Background: Appeared in 40 games (32 starts) in three seasons at Texas. Missed two games in 2025 due to a broken hand. Named two-time All-American and two-time All-SEC First Team (2024-25); Freshman All-American and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2023). A five-star All-America and all-state honoree recruit out of Billy Ryan High School, where he was a member of a football state championship team; also participated in track and field in high school in the 4x400m relay on a team that finished second in the 5A state meet. The son of Anthony Hill Sr. of Key West and Jameka Walton; has a younger brother, Landon. Originally born in Wichita, Kansas, at the same hospital as Barry Sanders. Enjoys video games, fashion/clothing. First Longhorns player to earn All-American honors since Joseph Ossai (Bengals) in 2020.

Stats: Played 10 games in 2025, had 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one pass deflection, two interceptions. In 40 career games, had 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, three interceptions.

6. PERKINS, HAROLD | LB | Sr | #7 | New Orleans, LA | Day 2