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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Reveals Top 10 Linebackers Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 250

Mason Reiger offered Wisconsin another reliable presence in the front seven, using his length and strength to create problems for opposing offenses. His 2025 campaign included 32 total tackles, five sacks and one pass defense, highlighting his ability to generate pressure and hold his ground against the run. Reiger’s frame and physical tools keep him firmly on the radar moving forward.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Reveals Top 10 Linebackers Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
With the 2026 NFL Draft slowly coming into focus, evaluators are beginning to sort through a deep group of defensive talent. One position drawing plenty of attention is linebacker, where a mix of explosive pass rushers and versatile defenders headline the class.

In his latest rankings, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN highlighted his top 10 linebackers entering the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, featuring several projected early-round picks and a handful of rising prospects who could climb boards throughout the season.
1) Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 243

Arvell Reese emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the country for Ohio State, flashing the range and explosiveness that NFL evaluators covet. He piled up 69 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and two pass defenses in 2025, consistently impacting plays from sideline to sideline. With his blend of athleticism and instincts, Reese has positioned himself firmly in the conversation as a potential early selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2) David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 250

David Bailey was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks last season, anchoring Texas Tech’s pass rush with relentless pressure. His production jumped off the stat sheet with 52 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass defenses in 2025. That kind of dominance has scouts viewing Bailey as one of the premier defensive prospects in the entire class.
3) R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 249

R Mason Thomas continues to be a key part of Oklahoma’s defensive front, bringing burst and power off the edge. Even in a rotational role, he made the most of his opportunities with 26 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defense during the 2025 campaign. His ability to create pressure in limited snaps has kept him firmly on NFL radars.
4) Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 248

Cashius Howell delivered a breakout season at Texas A&M, showcasing his ability to affect the game in multiple ways. He recorded 31 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, six pass defenses and a forced fumble in 2025, repeatedly disrupting plays at the line of scrimmage. Howell’s knack for getting into passing lanes and collapsing pockets made him one of the SEC’s most dangerous defenders.
5) Derrick Moore, Michigan
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 260

Derrick Moore powered Michigan’s defensive front with a relentless motor and physical edge. He finished the 2025 season with 30 total tackles, 10 sacks, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles, regularly overwhelming blockers with strength and leverage. Moore’s ability to consistently generate pressure has helped solidify his status among the nation’s top defenders.
6) Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 250

Malachi Lawrence turned heads at UCF with his disruptive presence and playmaking ability. He tallied 28 total tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass defenses in 2025, routinely finding ways to impact both the run and passing game. Lawrence’s combination of length and burst makes him an intriguing prospect heading into draft season.
7) Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 240

Joshua Josephs remained a steady force for Tennessee’s defense, providing versatility and toughness on the edge. During the 2025 season, he compiled 33 total tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass defenses, frequently creating momentum-shifting plays. Josephs’ physical style and nose for the football keep him firmly in the mix among this year’s linebacker group.
8) Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 243

Jaishawn Barham brought energy and explosiveness to Michigan’s defense, thriving as a versatile playmaker. His 2025 stat line featured 32 total tackles, four sacks, four pass defenses and a forced fumble, highlighting his ability to impact multiple phases of the game. Barham’s range and aggression make him an appealing option for teams looking for a modern linebacker.
9) Romello Height, Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 235

Romello Height enjoyed a productive campaign at Texas Tech, emerging as one of the Big 12’s most disruptive defenders. He registered 38 total tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defense in 2025, consistently collapsing the pocket and finishing plays in the backfield. Height’s pass-rushing ability has helped elevate his draft profile.
10) Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 255

Keyron Crawford anchored Auburn’s defense with a physical, downhill presence that showed up all season long. He produced 36 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and one interception in 2025, flashing the versatility to impact both the pass rush and coverage. Crawford’s size and playmaking instincts give him intriguing upside at the next level.
Just Missed: Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 240

Quintayvious Hutchins quietly put together a solid season at Boston College, showing flashes of disruptive ability throughout the year. He finished 2025 with 36 total tackles, two sacks and a pass defense, providing steady production for the Eagles’ defense. Hutchins remains a prospect to watch as he continues to develop.
Just Missed: Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 250

Mason Reiger offered Wisconsin another reliable presence in the front seven, using his length and strength to create problems for opposing offenses. His 2025 campaign included 32 total tackles, five sacks and one pass defense, highlighting his ability to generate pressure and hold his ground against the run. Reiger’s frame and physical tools keep him firmly on the radar moving forward.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Reveals Top 10 Linebackers Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
With the 2026 NFL Draft slowly coming into focus, evaluators are beginning to sort through a deep group of defensive talent. One position drawing plenty of attention is linebacker, where a mix of explosive pass rushers and versatile defenders headline the class.

In his latest rankings, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN highlighted his top 10 linebackers entering the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, featuring several projected early-round picks and a handful of rising prospects who could climb boards throughout the season.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Reveals Top 10 Linebackers Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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