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: 03/25/2023

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...
15

OLB/ED
Sam
Williams

6-4 261lbs 4.46
OLB/ED
DAL   Mascot
DAL Mascot
261lbs 6-4 4.46 10 77.9
82.8
Sam Williams is no doubt an elite athletic specimen who possesses an elite combination of speed, hand strength, and explosiveness. He has...
3

LB
Zaven
Collins

6-4 260lbs 4.80
LB
ARI   Mascot
ARI Mascot
260lbs 6-4 4.80 3 30
90.0
One of the top 5 edge players in the 2021 draft Zaven is expected to hear his name called towards the end of the first or early in the...
37

OLB/ED
Jordan
Smith

6-7 255lbs 4.71
OLB/ED
JAX   Mascot
JAX Mascot
255lbs 6-7 4.71 20 133.1
59.0
He has good reaction skills and awareness. Forceful tackler vs. the run. Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past...
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...
5

OLB/ED
Joseph
Ossai

6-4 253lbs 4.63
OLB/ED
CIN   Mascot
CIN Mascot
253lbs 6-4 4.63 6 42.3
88.0
The 6'4" Longhorn has entered the draft as one of the top pass rushing prospects. Ossai plays hard and is a dynamic presence on...
31

OLB/ED
Hamilcar
Rashed Jr.

6-2 251lbs 4.74
OLB/ED
NYJ   Mascot
NYJ Mascot
251lbs 6-2 4.74 18 115.3
61.0
Brings down quarterbacks much bigger than he is. Very good motor and regularly chases down plays from behind. Flashes strength to punch...
63

OLB/ED
Willie
Baker

6-3 250lbs 4.84
OLB/ED
Louisiana Tech   Mascot
Louisiana Tech Mascot
250lbs 6-3 4.84 169
53.0
An aggressive run defender, filling run lanes hard, and won't shy from contact. Plays with violence to fight off blocks, flashing a...
26

OLB/ED
Andre
Mintze

6-3 249lbs 4.63
OLB/ED
DEN   Mascot
DEN Mascot
249lbs 6-3 4.63 139
62.0
He has good reaction skills and awareness. Forceful tackler vs. the run. Works hard to get better and gives top effort on every play....
54

OLB/ED
Ali
Fayad

6-2 248lbs 4.89
OLB/ED
Western Michigan   Mascot
Western Michigan Mascot
248lbs 6-2 4.89 36 278
62.0
He's not an elite pass rusher and projects as a left end in a 4-3 defense. If he layers on more muscle, he might fit in the 3-4. Size,...
67

OLB/ED
Jon-Michael
Terry

6-3 245lbs 4.83
OLB/ED
Tulsa   Mascot
Tulsa Mascot
245lbs 6-3 4.83 171
52.0
An aggressive run defender, filling run lanes hard, and won't shy from contact. Plays with violence to fight off blocks, flashing a...
42

LB
Palaie
Gaoteote IV

6-2 245lbs 4.75
LB
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
245lbs 6-2 4.75 59 371
73.0
Downhill defender and physical tackler. Uses his eyes to decipher and break down the play, showing good awareness and discipline to sniff...

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.