Linebacker Rankings 2026 NFL Draft

SHARE:
LAST UPDATED: 03/20/2025

Player Rankings - Linebacker

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
15

LB/ED
Gabe
Jacas

6-3 275lbs 4.80
LB/ED
Illinois   Mascot
Illinois Mascot
275lbs 6-3 4.80 19 243
80.0
Jacas projects as a scheme-versatile edge defender with the potential to contribute in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts at the next level. His...
25

LB/ED
Mitchell
Melton

6-4 261lbs 4.76
LB/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
261lbs 6-4 4.76 44 446
65.2
Melton can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, Melton also shows good awareness when...
34

LB/ED
Samuel
M'Pemba

6-3 250lbs 4.70
LB/ED
Georgia   Mascot
Georgia Mascot
250lbs 6-3 4.70 91 803
51.3
The talent is there as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. M'Pemba has an explosive first step and has the fluidity, flexibility and core...
11

LB
Jaishawn
Barham

6-3 248lbs 4.55
LB
Michigan   Mascot
Michigan Mascot
248lbs 6-3 4.55 14 169
82.0
Barham's NFL fit hinges on his ability to leverage his strengths in run defense and pass rushing while improving his coverage skills. His...
12

LB/ED
Princewill
Umanmielen

6-5 245lbs 4.70
LB/ED
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
245lbs 6-5 4.70 16 181
81.6
He’s at his best attacking downhill, showing good instincts and great take-on skills. Umanmielen shows good speed and closing burst when...
13

LB/ED
Trey
Moore

6-3 245lbs 4.60
LB/ED
Texas   Mascot
Texas Mascot
245lbs 6-3 4.60 17 222
80.6
Moore projects as a high-upside edge rusher in the NFL, with the potential to make an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher. His...
37

LB/ED
Keanu
Koht

6-4 242lbs 4.70
LB/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
242lbs 6-4 4.70 100 903
43.7
Koht can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, Koht also shows good awareness when dropping...
33

LB
Stefon
Thompson

6-1 240lbs 4.65
LB
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
240lbs 6-1 4.65 80 709
55.5
Thompson has the fluid movement skills and speed to turn and run in coverage against tight ends. Possesses strong upper body to be...
8

LB/ED
David
Bailey

6-3 240lbs 4.52
LB/ED
Stanford   Mascot
Stanford Mascot
240lbs 6-3 4.52 9 115
83.1
A high-ceiling, low-floor prospect with the tools to become an impact player at the next level. His elite first-step quickness and...
30

LB
Shad
Banks Jr.

6-1 240lbs 4.45
LB
TCU   Mascot
TCU Mascot
240lbs 6-1 4.45 66 621
58.5
Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 77. He wrote: "6-1, 250 pounds, and a former two-time Junior...
5

LB
Drayk
Bowen

6-2 239lbs 4.62
LB
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
239lbs 6-2 4.62 5 68
85.0
Possesses strong upper body to be explosive and create turnovers as a tackler. Takes aggressive angles to the ball. Closes quickly on...
6

LB
Deontae
Lawson

6-2 239lbs 4.60
LB
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
239lbs 6-2 4.60 4 75
84.5
A high-ceiling, three-down linebacker prospect with the versatility to fit multiple defensive schemes. Displays the range and athleticism...

2026 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.

2026 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.