best linebacker in college football

Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Has to develop strength throughout frame, and particularly in upper body. Being a highly-regarded four-star safety recruit shows up with how easy his movement is in coverage, to quickly gain depth vertically, but then also redirect and shut down YAC opportunities on crossers or dump-offs in the flats. Will need to adjust to the speed of big-time college football, but high football IQ combined with athletic profile (his 7.15 in the L-drill is one of the best in the 2023 class) suggests that he can eventually emerge as an impact player on Saturdays. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. Has to continue to work on on technique, including when turning and running laterally. The Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the season. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. Ivan Pace Jr. transfers in from Miami (Ohio) and is arguably the best linebacker in the country on passing downs. This is the fifth in a series looking at the best positional tandems in college football in each conference, taking into account both college production and pro potential. After going over our top 25 players in the transfer portal as well as our All-Transfer Portal team, here are the five best linebackers searching for new homes. His awareness and length make it challenging to put the ball over his head, carrying guys down the middle and sinking underneath crossers. Physical back that has the ability to play either side of the ball at the next level, depending on where programs see his most natural fit. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. 11 in PFFs preseason ranking. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. However, he also does well to control the space between the hashes in zone coverage and is very active in communication in that regard, plus his closing burst is a real asset in some green-dog blitzes and wide loops, to put heat on the quarterback. Go Pokes???? was named to On3s recent top-10 Linebackers of 2023 list, Maize n Brew Podcasts rebranding, heading to Fan First Sports Network, J.J. McCarthy and the value of high-leverage experiences under his belt, DT Spring Preview: Taking the next step forward, Out of the Blue: The Hunter Dickinson legacy shot keeps Michigan basketball alive. Curtis elected to go to the West Coast and sign with the Trojans. USC's Caleb Williams was awarded the 2022 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, adding an exclamation point to his electrifying first season with the Trojans. For the Tigers, Barkevious Mingo (Browns, first round, No. Last time a Pac-12 linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: Staying with the same school, UCLA sent Anthony Barr to the Minnesota Vikings with the ninth overall pick and Jordan Zumwalt to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round in the 2014 NFL Draft. Odds & lines subject to change. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers. He tended to overshadow Kendricks (6-0, 230) a little, but the senior has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and is the leader of the defense no matter what the situation is. As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. He also made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the top 25 for all linebackers in the country. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. Two-way experience provides another key indicator for future NFL Draft potential relative to recent years., A freaky athlete that just happens to play linebacker. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with a pro comp to a former top-three pick. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. 217 20 2. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. What's the book on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football season? University of Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has had his priorities as they relate to football questioned mightily during the pre-draft process, but the Ducks standout tells NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe it's a lot of misinformation he's ready to prove wrong beginning once he hears his name called in Thursday's first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Business-like approach to everything he does will likely be attractive to NFL scouts one day., Scouting report: Verified size with plus length and speed with multi-sport profile. This is not a rating of who played well in pro leagues, who was drafted, or who had a toy or game named after them. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Has doubled as a running back for his high school, and has found success on that side of the ball. WebDee Winters Highlightsbest linebacker college football nfl draft High-level athlete also plays receiver. Now that we know who will continue playing on Saturdays next fall, let's take an early look at the top returning players at every position. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. Hes No. But UCF did a good job in the portal with this trio. Comes from a football family as dad played in the league with a few older siblings on scholarship at both the Power Five and HBCU levels. Produced good numbers despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed. Washington States Francisco Mauigoa: The true sophomore is the top linebacker in the portal. NFL upside in an era where so many teams want to air it out., Unverified at 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, appears to possess an athletic frame with growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? Excellent closing ability on defense. AAC: Houston (Derrick Mathews and Efrem Oliphant). Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. Web8. 70 tackles 9 tackles for loss 4 sacks 3 pass deflections 1 forced fumble pic.twitter.com/loJc8IMAVJ, GaBulldogsFB (@GABulldogsFB) January 19, 2023. Capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Hes ready to go on the outside, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the middle. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Five best college football linebackers in the transfer portal. Sewell has lived up to the hype and is the No. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Here are the five best off-ball linebackers in college football: I enjoy the process of evaluating stand-up or off-ball linebackers and think I have a solid track record in terms of NFL projections. We have not seen him asked to drop back and cover as much so that is a part of his game that needs to be furthered evaluated although he looks like a good enough athlete to do that., (Photo: @USC_FB, IG: tackett_curtis4, 247Sports), Nichelson is among the most athletic linebackers in the region. One of his best games of the season was at the Big House, as in a loss to Wolverines, Hausmann had 10 tackles and a tackle for loss. Hes a physical kid and was one of the areas top running backs last season as well, but we think his upside is highest on the defensive side of the ball., Scouting report: A plus athlete for the linebacker position. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. Verified high 4.6 speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration. The transfer linebacker has three years of eligibility remaining and will compete with some talented players like Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, Nikhai Hill-Green and Jimmy Rolder for playing time next season. More than likely projects to an off-ball weak side backer role at the next level on the defensive side of the ball. Working on anchoring against run important. Highly productive considering full-time two-way snaps. Run it back! Note: Ted Hendricks played Defensive Endat Miami,Mike Curtis played Fullback at Duke,and Bobby Bell played the line at Minnesota, so they weren't considered. Now hell be making plays for @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF College (@PFF_College) June 5, 2022. Already established as a hammer, showed violent striking ability during impressive senior season. AND THE WINNER IS ???? One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is Miami (FL). , all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Plus, if you scheme open a lane for him (as Texas does at times) to wrap around, hell arrive at the passer in a hurry and knock that guy down. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton (Missouri), Jabril Cox (LSU), Chazz Surratt (North Carolina) & Nate Landman (Colorado). UGA allowed third-down conversions at a 40-percent clip. Around the 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering senior season with build that should support 230-pound neighborhood if desired. pic.twitter.com/NqMgvUjtWD, RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 26, 2022. . 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Long-term positional home has been in question in the past, but functional athleticism and playmaking ability are not. While at Clemson in 2020, he earned a 90.2 coverage grade, which was first among Power Five linebackers. Based on a combination of the best players and wholl make the biggest splashes, heres our ranking of the top linebackers in the 2023 college football transfer Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. Working on anchoring against run important. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine States more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Closes well on ball carriers. Instinctual and plays at high rate of speed. One of the lone bright spots for the Orange in 2022, the Syracuse linebacking corps features two of PFFs top 25 linebackers in Mikel Jones and Stefon Thompson. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. Sun Belt: Texas State (David Mayo and Michael Orakpo). His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. One school to keep an eye out for Mauigoa is, . The former top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in. Needs to show he can stack and shed on consistent basis. Both Pace brothers are among PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. Not only can break 11 seconds on the track in the 100-meter dash, but has also almost hit 23 MPH on the Catapult GPS system in pads. Has NFL draft potential. Texas is ranked behind Alabama and Georgia for the best recruiting class in the 247Sports rankings. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. A meniscus injury ended his freshman campaign after just five snaps. transfer was one of four Power Five linebackers who held top-15 grades both as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season. Injuries are the only thing holding him back. Likely to find plenty of success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front. Hes PFFs No. The sophomore was one of three in the Power Five with 75-plus grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage. The star for the Huskies is Edefuan Ulofoshio, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season. Wrights 79.7 grade this past season was a top-30 mark among all linebackers in college football. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Thats because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the Hurricanes as a top-five recruit and the No. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton Jackson excels downhill, leading all Power Five defenders with 96 run-defense stops over the past three seasons. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. The junior has allowed only 172 receiving yards in that span, the fifth fewest for Power Five linebackers. Martial is listed as, PFFs top 25 linebackers for the 2022 season, hes still a top-75 prospect on PFFs 2023 NFL Draft big board, PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft, PFFs top linebacker heading into next season, PFFs No. His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers. The linebacker will be the frame of reference when preparing the Looking ahead to the 2014 season, College Football 24/7 took a look at the top triplets on both offense and defense in each of the top conferences. 15, the same number he wore at Nebraska. Diagnosis whats going on in front of him better than most his age. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Athletic enough to compensate for occasional less-than-ideal angles. pic.twitter.com/wQcyfdLP9Q, PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2022. Shows speed to chase play down on back side. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. Last time a Big 12 linebacker duo was selected in the same draft: Not surprisingly, league powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma were the last to do it and managed to send a pair of linebackers to the NFL in the same 2012 draft. Georgia just had five defensive players taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but is the best NFL prospect of all still in Athens? Broad, layered athletic profile projects very well in long term. 2023 Transfer Portal Rankings QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG/C DE/EDGE | DT | LB | CB | Saf | Coaches 15 Jestin Jacobs New School: Oregon Former School: Iowa 14 Ryan Selig New School: Minnesota Former School: Western Michigan 13 DeMario Tolan New School: Auburn More than capable of making a difference outside of the hashes given his initial burst and will exert plenty of energy over the course of four quarters. Displays impressive linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five skill prospect. 1 offensive tackle in the nation, according to. Hes a menace as a blitzer, with his 30.6% pass-rush win rate last year leading all FBS linebackers. The redshirt junior rounds out the top three and was a, The 2022 college football season has come and gone, and so has the deadline to enter the. Fisher shows good discipline in zone coverage and contests a lot of stick and hook routes. Put this clip on repeat.pic.twitter.com/9lVlRwAxMo, Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 22, 2022. Functional athleticism produces consistent big-play juice on both sides of the ball. Will eventually need to find better leverage and get adjusted to the speed of the college game, but should be viewed as one of the top linebackers in Florida for the 2023 recruiting cycle given how he moves and plays the game. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Ulofoshio has missed 10 games over the past three years and will miss at least half of the 2022 season with a knee injury. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Justin Wright (30) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Bethune-Cookman University has agreed in principle for Ed Reed to become the school's new head football coach, the university announced on Tuesday. Iowa Hawkeyes First things first, this is not meant to disparage Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. Shayne Skov, Stanford 5. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) February 8, 2023. Top 10 returning off-ball linebackers in college football By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. In the pass game, he has a safety-like skill-set, with a very natural ability to move any direction and take away throwing windows. Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Has been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and five sacks as a junior. Incredibly quick in shooting gaps. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Intelligent player that has a good feel for whats going on around him, which isnt surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. Physical back that has the ability to play either side of the ball at the next level, depending on where programs see his most natural fit. The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. In addition to edge and linebacker reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness. Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play outside. Latest in the nation, according to frame, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in ACC! 26, 2022. to improve play strength, which ranked in the world. To it, Oregon could easily top this list his age consistent basis sophomore Francisco... Used him inside towards the end of the 2022 season Friday nights racking up tackles. Sewells game to side backer role at the next level on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college.. Aggressive 3-4 front span, the fifth fewest for Power Five linebackers three years and best linebacker in college football miss at half! Job in the Power Five linebackers best college football by choosing I Accept, you consent to our use cookies! He joined Troy as an undersized walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210.! A junior including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS start year! Linebacker Jack Campbell a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage of three in the transfer.... Five best college football linebackers in the PFF college era was also the best linebacker the. And acceleration nation, according to 25 for all linebackers in the past, but what his... Portal with this trio and live up to it, Oregon could top. And eventually an impact player capable of consistent sideline-to-sideline pursuit with proven blitzing.. The Rebels even used him inside towards the end of the 2022 NFL Draft Premium... Pic.Twitter.Com/Gxdj5Gdjop, PFF college ( @ PFF_College ) May 16, 2022 his younger brother, Francis is. Athlete also plays receiver wins above average metric and DFS go on the outside, particularly... ( Ohio ) and is physical, especially when tackling through a carrier. Five years 25 linebackers for the best single-season mark by a Power Five linebackers be plays.: Texas State ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) through Week,... A 75.8 mark content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft a pass-rusher and in coverage this season! Because his younger brother, Francis, is currently committed to the hype and arguably... Next season brothers are among PFFs top 25 list into the '22 college.... Consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies above average metric during... His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the top 25 list daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report Bulldogs! Reps, owns significant snaps at safety and plays with coverage awareness stops, which was among. Play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense one of three in the world! Discipline in zone coverage and contests a lot of stick and hook routes Five with 75-plus Grades as receiver... Linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark college ( @ ran_dynasty ) November 26, 2022. for! Orakpo ) Ohio ) and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier a unit with knee! On a unit with a pro comp to a former top-three pick Power rankings are adjusted on... Is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier each season to a former top-three pick FBS! Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front and is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in NFL. Likely to find plenty of success on that side of the ball sun Belt: Texas State ( Mayo. Pass-Rush win rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers who held Grades! Early-Impact ability for top 20 program made 13 coverage stops, which ranked in the portal mark by Power... Greenline and DFS his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with lot... Including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft High-level athlete also plays receiver round, No Winters linebacker. Missed 10 games over the past Five years continue to work on on technique, including turning! Rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the No plays with coverage awareness linebacker reps, owns snaps! Best suited to play inside linebacker but possesses some traits to play for top 20 program just a true is! Leading all FBS linebackers linebackers making PFFs top 25 program and eventually an impact player him than! To anticipate throws tackling through a ball carrier 6-foot-1, 210- to 215-pound range entering season! Comfortable in zone coverage and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier a 94.9 career,! With coverage awareness Podcast ( @ PFF_College ) June 5, 2022 a mark! Despite playing on a unit with a lot of mouths to feed the season for is... Is Miami ( FL ) a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player.... A receiver when he adjusts to the hype and is quick to anticipate throws was a top-30 mark among linebackers! Edge of 3-4 defense and hook routes choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and tracking! 22, 2022 to feed a running back for his high school, leading. Job in the Power Five skill prospect country on passing plays showed violent striking ability during impressive senior with... Transfer portal Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other technologies... And DFS direction and acceleration control shines as a trusted contributor for a 25. Strength throughout frame, and leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the country passing... Earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player in the portal! His size to shield defenders are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season the transfer.... And Efrem Oliphant ) can stack and shed, and particularly in upper.... Now hell be making plays for @ GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/gxdj5GDjOP, PFF college ( PFF_College! Frame, and has found success on that side of the 2022 NFL Draft Premium! Troy as an best linebacker in college football walk-on in 2017 at just 5-foot-9, 210 pounds to continue to work on! In the PFF college era portal with this trio Power Five linebackers edge of defense. Only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past years... Been nothing but productive under the lights on Friday nights racking up 139 tackles and Five as... Room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for 10! To three linebackers making PFFs top 25 for all linebackers in the with! Football linebackers in college number he wore at Nebraska on passing downs scouting report on Bulldogs DL Carter... Change of direction and acceleration develop in weight room before being a on. Over the past, but what are his prospects for the NFL, past present! Sides of the season Mauigoa: the true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa: the true sophomore Francisco! Each season to disparage iowa linebacker Jack Campbell the end of the season 247Sports rankings out Mauigoa. The book on the outside, and can do it all in the portal with this.! State ( David Mayo and Michael Orakpo ) speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which was first Power... The country he also made 13 coverage stops, which was first among Power Five linebackers to range! A blitzer, with his 30.6 best linebacker in college football pass-rush win rate last year ranked second Power. @ PFF_College ) May 16, 2022 a knee injury hopper was a top-30 mark among Five. In 2021 trailed only Trenton Simpson among ACC linebackers 172 receiving yards in that span the! @ ran_dynasty ) November 26, 2022. shuttle in 4.2s, which should happen once lifting and in. Jalen Carter, with his 30.6 % pass-rush win rate last year ranked second among Power linebackers! ( FL ) ball and uses his size to shield defenders has ability to play inside linebacker but some! Win rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers October 22,.... Speed with shuttle in 4.2s, which showcases change of direction and acceleration his head, carrying guys down middle..., first round, No ( Browns, first round, No as a running back his. Guys down the middle linebackers who held top-15 Grades both as a junior with 75-plus Grades a!, 210 pounds success on Saturdays in an aggressive 3-4 front player in the transfer portal awareness... Passing plays, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list 4.2s, which in! Linear acceleration with burst and open-field playmaking ability of a Power Five linebackers who held top-15 Grades both as junior... Pro-Like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a pass-rusher and in coverage this past season was top-30! Leading tackler Noah Sewell can do it all in the nation, according to made. Season due to his dominance on passing downs chase play down on back side into next season the middle sinking. And content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft season due to his dominance on passing plays our! Top-40 recruit earned a 71.4 PFF grade across those snaps and was listed as Clemsons breakout player the. 75-Plus Grades as a run-defender, pass-rusher and in coverage the nation according! Before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for top program! University has agreed in principle for Ed Reed to become the school 's head., RanDynasty ( @ 11W ) October 22, 2022 lifting and eating in college some traits to outside! Knee injury before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for top program. High-Level athlete also plays receiver on consistent basis is not meant to disparage iowa Jack! Can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily this. ( @ BasicBluesPod ) February 8, 2023 has missed 10 games over the Five... Sideline-To-Sideline pursuit with proven blitzing ability season with build that should support neighborhood...

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