NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 20 Linebackers After the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

20. Chandler Martin - Memphis Tigers

Chandler Martin sharpened his claws in the FCS before spending his last two seasons with the Memphis Tigers. While adapting to stiffer competition took a year, Martin eventually found his footing. As a junior, he recorded 7.0 sacks and 111 combined tackles while being active in pass coverage. Martin's three forced fumbles and three interceptions with the Tigers show that he checks all the boxes as a professional linebacker.

2. Jalon Walker - Georgia Bulldogs

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As with most top prospects, Jalon Walker absconded from the Combine testing. However, that won't impact his draft status as one of the first linebackers off the board. 

Walker had another productive season with the Georgia Bulldogs, albeit his first as a starter. The junior tallied 6.5 sacks and 61 tackles while being a disruptive all-around force up front. In previous years, Walker was used almost exclusively as a pass-rusher, but he showcased his all-around abilities this past season. 

Whichever team drafts Walker is securing one of the best linebackers in his draft. However, he may develop into a specialized role (pass rusher) in the NFL.

3. Carson Schwesinger - UCLA Bruins

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Carson Schwesinger doesn't have an off switch, and that's reflected in his stat line. The California native burst onto the scene in his junior year, and he's more than capable of parlaying that into professional success. 

The UCLA Bruins standout finished the season with the third-most tackles in the country. By the end of the campaign, Schwesinger tallied 136 tackles (90 solo), 4.0 sacks, a forced fumble, two interceptions, and three pass deflections. The junior was a menace every time he stepped onto the field, recording 10 or more tackles in all but one of his last ten games. 

Schwesinger must add to his frame to maintain that every-down reputation in the NFL. Nevertheless, he has all the tools to develop into an elite linebacker.

4. Demetrius Knight Jr. - South Carolina Gamecocks

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Versatility makes Demetrius Knight Jr. a lock to be one of the first linebackers off the board in Green Bay. Still, his football IQ and athletic ability have vaulted him near the top of our rankings. 

Nothing catches Knight off guard. The South Carolina Gamecocks standout reads and adapts to plays pre-snap and closes better than any other interior defender. Those attributes are captured in his senior stat line. Knight recorded 82 tackles, 2.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. 

Knight had an advantage in his senior season. He burned his red shirt and got an extra year of eligibility due to the 2020 season, meaning this was his sixth season in the FBS ranks. Nevertheless, his skills translate to the pro game, and he'll make a lasting impression from Day 1. 

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5. Barrett Carter - Clemson Tigers

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Arguably, no more athletic linebacker is available in this draft than Barrett Carter. The Clemson Tigers standout made his mark in 2024, and he'll have one more chance to shine at the Scouting Combine ahead of the NFL Draft. 

While slightly undersized, Carter does everything right on the field. He accumulated 82 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in his senior season. He's more explosive than any other linebacker in this year's class, and we wouldn't be surprised if he clocks the top time in the shuttle drill. 

His size may concern some teams, particularly in pass coverage. But as we've seen over the past few seasons, Carter can rely on his athletic ability to be a disruptive force. Time will tell if that will be his saving grace at the pro level. Whichever team drafts Carter assures themselves of an impact early-down linebacker.

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6. Danny Stutsman - Oklahoma Sooners

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Danny Stutsman's NFL Draft stock has been rising for the past few seasons. But now he gets to cash in on all that hard work as the Oklahoma Sooners linebacker prepares for the Scouting Combine before eventually heading to Green Bay. 

Stutsman's senior stat line doesn't capture his impact in his final year in Norman. The Florida native racked up 110 tackles and 1.0 sacks without other complementary metrics. However, over his last three years as a starter, Stutsman totaled 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. Further, he eclipsed the century mark in tackles in all three campaigns.

Those stats do not reflect Stutsman's athletic ability, explosiveness, and downhill play. If he can beef up his coverage play, Stutsman projects as a top-tier every-down linebacker.

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7. Chris Paul Jr. - Ole Miss Rebels

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After three years with the Arkansas Razorbacks, Chris Paul Jr. transferred to the Ole Miss Rebels, where he blossomed into a top linebacker. After a solid showing at the Combine, he's more than capable of making the jump to the pros.

Paul hit his stride with the Rebels, anchoring one of the top defensive units in the country. The junior totaled 88 tackles, including 11 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Still, he significantly impacted passing coverage, recording four pass deflections and one interception.

Paul is one of the premier all-around linebackers in this year's draft class. He's not a threat to go early, but whichever lands him will have an every-down contributor with plus potential.

8. Jeffrey Bassa - Oregon Ducks

Not that we needed more evidence, but Jeffrey Bassa showed at the NFL Scouting Combine exactly what he demonstrated in four years in Eugene. The Oregon Ducks linebacker has an explosive first step and the raw power and talent to make it in the NFL.

A converted safety, Bassa was an above-average defender against the pass and rush. In an injury-limited campaign, the senior totaled 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two force fumbles, and two pass deflections.

Altogether, Bassa has every-down potential. His proclivity in both the pass and run games is well-suited for today's game.

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9. Kobe King - Penn State Nittany Lions

Kobe King was at his best on the biggest stage. That bodes well for his draft stock for teams sifting through hours of video looking for a mid-round steal. 

From the Big Ten Championship Game until the semifinals, the Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker totaled 35 tackles across those four games. That's in addition to earning All-Big Ten honors for his play throughout the regular season. 

King excels in run defense packages and is adequate in pass coverage as well. To maximize his productivity, the team that drafts him may want to develop him in a more exclusive run defense role.

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10. Smael Mondon Jr. - Georgia Bulldogs

Playing next to Jalon Walker undoubtedly boosted Smael Mondon Jr.'s draft stock. The linebacker tallied 57 tackles and 3.0 sacks in his senior season at Georgia, but he sets himself apart with his sheer athletic ability. 

Mondon Jr. is a specimen. He's freakishly fast and powerful, which is reflected in his Combine testing. The Georgia native posted a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.52 ten-yard split. Further, his 10'10" broad jump was among the best of any players that tested in Indianapolis.

Mondon Jr. relies more on athletic ability than cerebral play, which could be his undoing at the pro level. Still, many teams will be interested in adding him as a mid-to-late-round draft pick. If a team can level up Mondon's football IQ, they could unlock All-Pro potential.

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11. Oluwafemi Oladejo - UCLA Bruins

Oluwaemi Oladejo burst onto the scene in his sophomore season, earning 69 tackles with the California Golden Bears. However, it wasn't until he transferred to the UCLA Bruins that we saw him blossom into the well-rounded linebacker that he is today. Oladejo recorded 57 tackles, two pass deflections, and 4.5 sacks this season, albeit while giving up ground in rushing schemes. Still, his football IQ is off the charts and he's explosive from the point of attack. Watch him transform into an impact edge player in the NFL.

12. Cody Simon - Ohio State Buckeyes

Through his first four-plus seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cody Simon was an effective multi-role linebacker. But his draft stock soared after a sensational senior season in Columbus. Simon totaled 117 tackles in 2024, adding 7.0 sacks, seven pass deflections, and a forced fumble while helping the Ohio State Buckeyes claim the National Championship. He covers immense ground, which is reflected in his blazing 4.50 40-yard dash time. His 6'2" and 229 lbs frame could have teams a little worried, but there are still plenty of tools to work with.

13. Jack Kiser - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jack Kiser is one of the most cerebral players available in this year's crop of linebackers. His physical testing isn't off the charts, but his ascent in South Bend is a testament to his unrelenting work ethic. Kiser wrapped up a five-year stint with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, leading the team in tackles and captaining the defense to the National Championship Game. One of the best pure tacklers in the draft, Kiser should continue to grow at the professional level.

14. Nick Martin - Oklahoma State Cowboys

Nick Martin is one of the top athletes available in this year's NFL Draft. The linebacker spent the past four seasons with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, redshirting his first year and starting the last two. Martin broke out with 140 tackles in 2023, then a knee injury limited him to just five games in his junior campaign. Like any young linebacker, Martin will need an acclimation period in the NFL, particularly after missing most of last season. Rest assured, he can develop into an effective every-down linebacker in the pros.

15. Cody Lindenberg - Minnesota Golden Gophers

Cody Lindenberg does a little bit of everything right, but doesn't stand out in any facet of the game. His best asset is his pre-snap vision, using his football IQ to diagnose plays and make ideal reads. However, injuries limited his time on the field in college, and things only get more intense at the professional level. He may be able to carve out a regular role, but Lindenberg needs to sharpen his pass-coverage skills and be less aggressive in attacking downhill.

16. Francisco Mauigoa - Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes' 9-0 start was quickly undone by a 1-3 end to the season, but that didn't stop Francisco Mauigoa from going out with a bang. The senior totaled 44 combined tackles over the final four games of the campaign, bumping his season total to a career-best 96. While his sack total took a big hit in 2024, Mauigoa has the size and speed to excel in the pro game.

17. Jay Higgins - Iowa Hawkeyes

Over the last few seasons, Jay Higgins has been an absolute stud for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Higgins totaled 171 tackles in his junior year, following that up with 124 more tackles in 2024. While he's proven capable in all facets of the game, Higgins excels in pass coverage looks. He recorded four interceptions last season, adding five pass deflections. Those read-and-react abilities have become second nature, and could make him a late-round steal for the lucky team that lands him.

18. Jamon Dumas-Johnson - Kentucky Wildcats

Jamon Dumas-Johnson's draft stock took a hit with his underwhelming senior season. But the Kentucky Wildcats product was able to make some of the ground up with strong pre-draft workouts. Dumas-Johnson posted a blazing-fast 4.50 40-yard time at his pro day, registering a 10'6" in the broad jump. Teams have plenty to work with, but Dumas-Johnson still has lots to prove.

19. Collin Oliver - Oklahoma State Cowboys

Collin Oliver was a standout defensive stalwart with the Oklahoma State Cowboys for three seasons before a leg injury ended his senior campaign in Week 2. Oliver excelled in the pass rush, recording 22.5 sacks through his junior season. He has top-end speed and is big enough to fulfill multiple roles in the NFL. Depending on the team's need, Oliver could become a productive edge rusher, but he has the instincts and adaptability to play anywhere.

20. Chandler Martin - Memphis Tigers

Chandler Martin sharpened his claws in the FCS before spending his last two seasons with the Memphis Tigers. While adapting to stiffer competition took a year, Martin eventually found his footing. As a junior, he recorded 7.0 sacks and 111 combined tackles while being active in pass coverage. Martin's three forced fumbles and three interceptions with the Tigers show that he checks all the boxes as a professional linebacker.