Linebacker Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the second quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the second quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKER PROSPECT RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT

The 2023 class is pretty strong and contains some impressive athletes. Our list includes players officially listed as OLB's but who are predominantly edge rushers. However, we regard the top traditional linebackers as Clemson's Trenton Simpson and Oregon's Noah Sewell - both have a chance to hear their name called on day one of the draft.

Former five-star prospect Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash. He also hits like a truck although didn't make the expected step up in production in 2022 and may be viewed as a slightly risky pick.
Noah Sewell brother of Detroit Lion Penei Sewell also possesses impressive athletic talents, he, however, is a more polished overall defender and a safer pick.
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LAST UPDATED: 09/26/2024

Player Rankings - Linebacker

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
60

LB/ED
Caden
McDonald

6-3 240lbs 4.96
LB/ED
San Diego State   Mascot
San Diego State Mascot
240lbs 6-3 4.96 83 516.7
58.5
Good key and diagnosis skills. Quickly locates the ball and shows no wasted motion in getting there. At least adequate lateral agility to...
14

LB/ED
Mike
Morris

6-5 275lbs 4.95
LB/ED
SEA   Mascot
SEA Mascot
275lbs 6-5 4.95 25 119.5
82.7
A savvy, versatile and instinctive edge rusher who did a little bit of everything, Morris was especially effective getting to the...
39

LB
Carlton
Martial

5-9 210lbs 4.95
LB
Troy   Mascot
Troy Mascot
210lbs 5-9 4.95 62 335.6
74.0
Good closing speed with long arms to drag down quarterbacks and running backs. He’s rangy and instinctive when he’s looking into the...
6

LB/ED
Andre
Carter II

6-6 256lbs 4.93
LB/ED
Army   Mascot
Army Mascot
256lbs 6-6 4.93 19 90.4
85.5
Andre Carter II is an incredible athlete with a massive wing span, elite agility, and change of direction skills with the speed to match...
48

LB
Garrett
Nelson

6-4 245lbs 4.90
LB
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
245lbs 6-4 4.90 69 406
53.2
He’s a technically sound and consistent tackler, breaking down and wrapping up, with the length and power to swallow up ball carriers....
52

LB/ED
George
Tarlas

6-3 255lbs 4.88
LB/ED
Boise State   Mascot
Boise State Mascot
255lbs 6-3 4.88 71 435
65.0
Flashes strength at the point of attack with active, violent hand use. Forceful with his upper body to defeat blocks. Strong hustle...
64

LB
Derrick
Smith

6-2 220lbs 4.88
LB
Western Kentucky   Mascot
Western Kentucky Mascot
220lbs 6-2 4.88 80 502
54.0
Closes quickly on relatively immobile quarterbacks. A consistently heavy hitter who flashes explosiveness and the ability to separate the...
50

LB
Micah
Baskerville

6-0 221lbs 4.84
LB
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
221lbs 6-0 4.84 57 320.6
69.0
The talent is there as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Baskerville can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler...
46

LB/ED
Eku
Leota

6-3 252lbs 4.84
LB/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
252lbs 6-3 4.84 44 279.5
70.0
Leota has an excellent motor and shows the stamina to last deep into the fourth quarter. As a pass rusher, Leota shows quickness off the...
2

LB/ED
Tyree
Wilson

6-6 271lbs 4.82
LB/ED
LV   Mascot
LV Mascot
271lbs 6-6 4.82 2 9.7
89.2
Wilson is one of the top edge prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, possessing the physical attributes necessary to make an immediate impact. He...
19

LB/ED
Brenton
Cox Jr.

6-4 250lbs 4.82
LB/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
250lbs 6-4 4.82 33 184.4
81.0
He’s a technically sound and consistent tackler, breaking down and wrapping up, with the length and power to swallow up ball carriers....
32

LB/ED
Durell
Nchami

6-4 258lbs 4.79
LB/ED
Maryland   Mascot
Maryland Mascot
258lbs 6-4 4.79 58 325.5
78.0
Nchami has long arms and displays good power in his hands, which gives him the ability to slip off blocks. As a run defender, Nchami has...

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - 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.

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - 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.