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: 04/25/2023

Player Rankings - Linebacker

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
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...
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...
38

LB/ED
Tyrus
Wheat

6-2 263lbs 4.65
LB/ED
Mississippi State   Mascot
Mississippi State Mascot
263lbs 6-2 4.65 50 303.3
74.0
Showed initial quickness and good flexibility to dip and bend. Wheat has active hands and suddenness to his movements, demonstrating the...
25

LB/ED
DJ
Johnson

6-4 260lbs 4.49
LB/ED
CAR   Mascot
CAR Mascot
260lbs 6-4 4.49 31 171.3
78.7
Johnson has decent enough flexibility to bend the edge, and Johnson shows a good closing burst. Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce...
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...
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...
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...
5

LB/ED
Derick
Hall

6-3 254lbs 4.55
LB/ED
SEA   Mascot
SEA Mascot
254lbs 6-3 4.55 11 55.2
86.0
Derick Hall has a number of elite qualities, he's got elite speed, and overall power as well as outstanding length and has been a...
1

LB/ED
Will
Anderson Jr....

6-4 253lbs 4.60
LB/ED
HOU   Mascot
HOU Mascot
253lbs 6-4 4.60 1 2
93.4
Will Anderson Jr. is no doubt an elite edge prospect. He's a very rare prospect in having huge athletic talents - is super strong for his...
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...
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....
3

LB
Jack
Campbell

6-5 249lbs 4.65
LB
DET   Mascot
DET Mascot
249lbs 6-5 4.65 9 50.5
87.6
Coming into the combine Jack Campbell was known as a hugely dominant, skillful, and successful college player whose only major negative was...

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.