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.
SHARE:
LAST UPDATED: 04/20/2023

Player Rankings - Linebacker

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
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...
62

LB
Nick
Anderson

5-10 225lbs 4.63
LB
Tulane   Mascot
Tulane Mascot
225lbs 5-10 4.63 75 467.7
57.2
Anderson understands angles and takes very good paths moving downhill. He shows good ability in coverage, with the agility to mirror backs....
15

LB/ED
Ivan
Pace Jr.

5-10 231lbs 4.62
LB/ED
Cincinnati   Mascot
Cincinnati Mascot
231lbs 5-10 4.62 26 142.6
81.6
With a powerful lower body and the ability to hold up at the point of attack as a run defender, Pace is remarkably instinctive. His spin...
21

LB
Dee
Winters

5-11 227lbs 4.49
LB
SF   Mascot
SF Mascot
227lbs 5-11 4.49 34 187.4
80.4
Winters can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, Winters also shows good awareness when...
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...
44

LB
Seth
Benson

6-0 232lbs 4.76
LB
Iowa   Mascot
Iowa Mascot
232lbs 6-0 4.76 77 471.3
72.0
Benson has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. He shows good speed and...
61

LB
James
Patterson

6-0 232lbs 4.75
LB
Buffalo   Mascot
Buffalo Mascot
232lbs 6-0 4.75 85 527.3
58.4
Combines very good instincts with above-average reaction skills. Almost always finds the ball in traffic. Patterson shows good quickness...
51

LB
DaShaun
White

6-0 205lbs 4.74
LB
Oklahoma   Mascot
Oklahoma Mascot
205lbs 6-0 4.74 73 457.3
66.8
White shows good quickness off the line of scrimmage and flashes the violent hands to win around the edge. He’s at his best in coverage....
18

LB
Ventrell
Miller

6-0 232lbs 4.71
LB
JAX   Mascot
JAX Mascot
232lbs 6-0 4.71 28 167.4
81.2
Miller has a compact build, but Miller is a crafty edge player who is very good against the run. He sets the edge and effectively wards off...
29

LB
Drake
Thomas

6-0 228lbs 4.70
LB
NC State   Mascot
NC State Mascot
228lbs 6-0 4.70 43 266
78.5
Trusts his eyes and shows no hesitation with good anticipation to avoid blockers. Thomas has an excellent feel for working off blockers...
20

LB
SirVocea
Dennis

6-0 226lbs 4.64
LB
TB   Mascot
TB Mascot
226lbs 6-0 4.64 36 215.7
80.5
Dennis has an explosive first step and has the fluidity, flexibility and core strength to chase through traffic and make plays. He’s a...
40

LB
Cam
Bright

6-0 219lbs 4.59
LB
Washington   Mascot
Washington Mascot
219lbs 6-0 4.59 63 336
74.0
Bright has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. Intelligent player who can...

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.