Linebacker Rankings 2021 NFL Draft

LINEBACKER PROSPECT RANKING 2021 NFL DRAFT

The 2021 Linebacker draft class is good but not great, with only one prospect being worthy of a top 10 pick. Star line-backer for the Lions, Micah Parsons, is, without doubt, the top prospect at the position; he had a really strong 2019 season, finishing with over 100 tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, and was a finalist for the Butkus Award.

He has everything an NFL team could want. The only thing that stops him from being drafted higher is the position (Inside Linebacker) he plays. The top outside linebacker prospect is Notre Dames's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah; he's an explosive and versatile player whose only knock is his lack of ideal physical traits. He has had a strong 2020 season, at a time when a lot of other players have opted out, and that helped him in showcasing his skills.

The rest of the class is filled with excellent talent, with 11 prospects having our 80 plus rating (Quality prospect) assigned to them.

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LAST UPDATED: 12/30/2021

Player Rankings - Linebacker

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
74

OLB/ED
Elerson
Smith

5-10 262lbs 4.77
OLB/ED
NYG   Mascot
NYG Mascot
262lbs 5-10 4.77 36 220
33.0
Gets his hands in the passing lanes. Effort is mere in coverage. Tough between-the-tackles defender who shimmies past blockers to fill...
24

LB
Rayshard
Ashby

5-10 245lbs 4.72
LB
Virginia Tech   Mascot
Virginia Tech Mascot
245lbs 5-10 4.72 73 423.3
64.0
Trusts his eyes and shows no hesitation with good anticipation to avoid blockers. Has enough hustle and athleticism to make plays in the...
50

LB
Max
Richardson

5-11 223lbs 4.82
LB
LV   Mascot
LV Mascot
223lbs 5-11 4.82 97 655.5
56.0
Possesses a short, squatly build to slip through gaps quickly. Legitimate NFL-caliber instincts His versatility and commitment could give...
46

LB
Tavante
Beckett

5-11 220lbs 4.78
LB
DET   Mascot
DET Mascot
220lbs 5-11 4.78 145
57.0
Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on...
20

LB
Erroll
Thompson

6-0 254lbs 4.85
LB
ATL   Mascot
ATL Mascot
254lbs 6-0 4.85 59 335.3
66.0
Big, aggressive hitter who can lay the wood. Has good awareness to quickly locate the ball, keeping his eyes up and on point. An...
62

LB
Richard
Moore

6-0 226lbs 4.81
LB
SMU   Mascot
SMU Mascot
226lbs 6-0 4.81 167
53.0
Possesses a short, squatly build to slip through gaps quickly. Legitimate NFL-caliber instincts A bit stiff but makes the clean...
51

LB
John
Lamot

6-0 230lbs 4.78
LB
Boston College   Mascot
Boston College Mascot
230lbs 6-0 4.78 141
55.0
Intelligent player who can play "MIKE" linebacker despite his lack of size because of his instincts and ability to find the ball in...
28

LB
K.J.
Britt

6-0 243lbs 4.75
LB
TB   Mascot
TB Mascot
243lbs 6-0 4.75 35 215.4
62.0
A bit stiff but makes the clean open-field tackle. Good effort in pursuit. Flashes strength to punch or stiff-arm to get off blocks....
29

LB
Blake
Gallagher

6-0 224lbs 4.75
LB
Northwestern   Mascot
Northwestern Mascot
224lbs 6-0 4.75 72 413
62.0
Possesses strong upper body to be explosive and create turnovers as a tackler. Takes aggressive angles to the ball. Quick to read run,...
44

LB
Terry
Myrick

6-0 220lbs 4.73
LB
Eastern Michigan   Mascot
Eastern Michigan Mascot
220lbs 6-0 4.73 126 933
58.0
Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on...
30

LB
Kyle
Pugh

6-0 226lbs 4.71
LB
Northern Illinois   Mascot
Northern Illinois Mascot
226lbs 6-0 4.71 102 686
62.0
Trusts his eyes and shows no hesitation with good anticipation to avoid blockers. Combines very good instincts with above-average...
21

LB
Antjuan
Simmons

6-0 225lbs 4.68
LB
Michigan State   Mascot
Michigan State Mascot
225lbs 6-0 4.68 58 333.5
65.0
Handles misdirection well with quick change-of-direction ability. Comes downhill quickly against the run when he has an open...

2021 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Outside Linebacker

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2021 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Outside Linebacker

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.