4/21/22
In today’s college football, and by extension the NFL, athleticism is more crucial than ever at the Linebacker position. If your Linebackers cannot run, cover, and play in space, then your defense is in big trouble. Athletic Linebackers allow Defensive Coordinators to be so multiple with their schemes while also allowing the same personnel to remain on the field for both “running downs” and “passing downs”. With that caveat, Linebackers must still obviously be able to hold up in the run game in order to force the Offense into passing situations. See below for some of this year’s best.
1. Devin Lloyd (Utah)
Was an absolute stud at Utah, especially in his final season, where he totaled 111 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 interceptions (2 of them were returned for TDs), and 6 PBUs. Also had 91 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception back in 2019. Excellent size for a Linebacker at 6’3, 235 lbs. Devin plays with tremendous speed and is just all over the field. Aggressive!!! It’s not only his speed that allows him to make so many plays, but his high IQ enables him to diagnose plays quickly. His athleticism is beyond impressive and can really only be understood by watching his film. Lloyd’s length and awareness make him elite in pass coverage. Very good blitzer and displays great pass rush ability, as shown by his sack numbers. Solid tackler. I cannot stress enough that although he is super athletic, he is not a finesse player, and is great against the run. Runs through contact and can deliver big hits. I believe that Lloyd is one of the best players in this draft, regardless of position, and I cannot wait to see him in action at the next level.
2. Nakobe Dean (Georgia)
Dean does not have the best height, at only 6’0, but in today’s game I don’t believe that matters much for a Linebacker. Ran a 4.5 40 yard dash at the combine, so he definitely has the athleticism you look for. Garnered 72 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a TD in 2021. His speed immediately jumps out when you turn on the film. Easily runs with RBs and TEs in pass coverage. Very good in coverage and shows exceptional understanding of pass concepts. I really like Dean’s blitzing ability, as he torpedoes through the hole to get to the QB. Is also very physical when taking on blocks and is often able to plow through would be blockers. Did line up as an edge rusher some, something I think he can continue to do in the NFL with his pass rushing prowess. Dean can probably be a three down linebacker because of his effectiveness against both the run and the pass.
3. Christian Harris (Alabama)
Harris had back to back seasons with 79 tackles and 4.5+ sacks while roaming the middle of the Crimson Tide defense. Contrary to the previous few players on this list, Harris is definitely a Middle Linebacker. In the run game, he gets downfield in a hurry and delivers big hits on ball carriers. Plays with great aggression and power. Shows pretty good closing speed as well. Has an excellent feel for rushing the QB from the inside when blitzing, and is easily able to overwhelm RBs who try to meet him in pass protection. Decent in pass coverage and was able to come up with a few PBUs which turned into interceptions for his teammates. I think Harris can start at either Mike or Will Linebacker immediately in the league.
4. Nik Bonitto (Oklahoma)
Bonitto is another player who I’ve followed since his high school days at St. Thomas Aquinas. Somewhat of a hybrid player who can play OLB or DE, depending on what type of scheme he gets drafted into. Became a big time playmaker for the Sooners in his final two seasons, with 8.5 sacks in 2020 and 7 sacks in 2021. Always seemed to be around the ball and in the middle of things when big plays were happening. Mostly known for his elite pass rush ability, he also did an excellent job of setting the edge in the run game and making plenty of TFLs. As far as LBs go, his coverage skills are second to only Devin Lloyd in my opinion. Plays very well in space when either coming off the edge or in more of a LB role, but can also shoot inside gaps in the run game to create chaos. I feel that Bonitto is an underrated player, who can provide great value to an NFL team because of his positional versatility. Look for him to be a sleeper in this draft.
5. Quay Walker (Georgia)
Outstanding combination of size and speed – coming in at 6’4, 240 lbs and runs a 4.5 40. His straight line speed translates well to the field, really helping his pass rush ability. Brilliant tackler – credited with only three missed tackles in Georgia’s 15 game 2021 season. Walker has not really shown ability to make big plays, but is more of an overall consistent player. Not good in pass coverage. As a result, may be best served making the move over to DE where he can use his length to affect the QB. Although Walker’s athletic potential is through the roof, he definitely needs quite a bit more development before he can make a big impact, as he really only had one year of notable production in college.
Others to know:
Adam Anderson (Georgia)
Chad Muma (Wyoming)
Jack Sanborn (Wisconsin)
Nephi Sewell (Utah)
Mike Rose (Iowa State)
Brian Asamoah (Oklahoma)
Damone Clark (LSU)
Micah McFadden (Indiana)